eNews

Special edition 31 January 2012

2012-01-31T16:10:00.001+11:00

VLGA President’s Message
I wanted to take this opportunity to send a special edition eNews today, congratulating several VLGA members and friends on their receipt of Australia Day Honours late last week.

Whitehorse City Cr Robert Chong has been awarded an Australia Day AM (Member of the Order of Australia) for his contribution to the Chinese community of Victoria, the Whitehorse City Council and the Whitehorse community. Cr Chong has received other honours – in 1991 he was named in the Australia Day Honours List and in 2003 he received a Centenary Medal. Congratulations Robert!

The City of Kingston’s Cr Ron Brownlees was awarded an OAM in the General Division (Order of Australia Medal) for his service to local government and a wide range of community groups and health care organisations. Well done Ron!

Pat Walsh, who has been a strong advocate for human rights especially in Timor-Leste, and served the international community in this regard across the Asia-Pacific region has also been awarded an AM (Member of the Order of Australia) in the General Division. Thanks for your work Pat.

All the best to each of you at this special time.

Cr Samantha Dunn, President

30 January 2012

2012-01-30T15:49:00.004+11:00

VLGA President’s Message
Many of you will have seen the poker machine debate come to a head last weekend – and we thought we should give you a run-down on the key issues. Independent MP Andrew Wilkie withdrew his support for the Labor Government after it announced it was backing down from introducing a mandatory pre-commitment scheme by the end of 2014, in favour of a year-long trial in the ACT. In other news, it appears that the claims by industry about the costs have been somewhat exaggerated according to the Australia Institute, which says it has modelled the costs of introducing $1 maximum bets and pre-commitment technology and neither plan would cost more than roughly $340 million – much lower than the clubs industry's figure of around $5 billion. In addition to the trial, the Gillard Government stated in a media release plans to introduce pre-commitment technology to every poker machine in Australia, impose a $250 withdrawal limit on ATMs in gaming venues, introduce cost of play displays on poker machines by 2016, provide additional counselling support and self-exclusion arrangements, and improve training for staff in pokies venues. The mandatory pre-commitment trial will begin in 2013 and venues will be reimbursed for lost revenue during the trial. The government will have three months after the end of the 12-month trial to act on the findings, effectively deferring the final decision on pre-commitment into the next election term. Andrew Wilkie’s support for the Government was contingent on legislation on mandatory pre-commitment across Australia being passed through parliament by May 2012, and in place across Australia by 2014.

The Federal Coalition’s Discussion Paper on Gambling Refor m considers voluntary, not mandatory, pre-commitment on gaming machines could be effective if adopted with other measures. The Australian Greens have stated they will put forward $1 maximum bet limit legislation to parliament next month, a key recommendation from the 2010 Productivity Commission Inquiry into Gambling. The Victorian State Government will introduce new laws in July 2012 that ban all ATMs in venues with gaming machines, expanding on the withdrawal limits proposed by the Federal Government. The Victorian Government recently announced in a media release that it would vary the ban to include all cash withdrawal devices that did not require interaction with venue staff, after indications that a new non-ATM cash device was being marketing to gaming venues ahead of the ban’s introduction. The Victorian Government will also be enacting legislation regarding voluntary pre-commitment.

The VLGA supports the findings of the Productivity Commission’s 2010 report, including mandatory pre-commitment on gaming machines in Australia. The VLGA continues to believe that mandatory pre-commitment is an effective harm minimisation measure which can reduce the risk to consumers. Watch this space for any future developments – there’s a lot going on right now!

On another note, last week we sent our six-month report to all VLGA member councils for circulation to your councillors and officers. We hope this update on our activities is useful. You can also download the report here.

I look forward to seeing you all as we return to our council and other commitments in the coming week.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President

Keeping you up to date

Entries close 17 February – 2012 National Awards for Local Government
The National Awards for Local Government recognise, reward and promote the innovative work of local governments across Australia. The Awards are run by the Department of Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government. View this link for more detail and note that entries close on 17 February.

Bottle shop density linked to binge drinking: report
Victorian residents with eight or more takeaway alcohol outlets within one kilometre of their homes are twice as likely to binge drink, a University of Melbourne and VicHealth study shows. Researcher Professor Anne Kavanagh surveyed 2,334 people from 21 local government areas within 20 kilometres of the Melbourne CBD to discover whether take-away liquor outlet density was associated with the amount of alcohol they drank – and how often. “We found that the more outlets a person has in their neighbourhood, the more likely it is that they will drink alcohol at a level that can cause short-term harm,” Prof. Kavanagh said. “Interestingly, we found no evidence that having a bottle shop close to your house is linked to heavier drinking patterns, so it’s not necessarily the proximity to the alcohol outlet, it’s more the sheer number of alcohol stores that makes a difference. VicHealth’s Manager of Alcohol Brian Vandenberg believes a tightening of alcohol licensing is warranted in Victoria. “Clearly, a new approach that takes into account the differences in neighbourhoods is needed to deal with Victoria’s harmful drinking culture. There is a need for better state-wide prevention policies that address the availability of alcohol, as well as local responses, devised by communities themselves,” Mr Vandenberg said. “It’s time to give some control back to local communities who feel under siege by alcohol problems in their neighbourhood".

Inquiry into Feed-in Tariffs and Barriers to Distributed Generation
The Victorian Treasurer has directed the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) to conduct an inquiry into Feed-in Tariff Arrangements and Barriers to Distributed Generation. The terms of reference ask the Commission to assess the design, efficiency and effectiveness of feed-in tariffs, recommend whether existing feed-in tariffs should be continued, phased-out or amended and identify barriers to the development of a network of distributed renewable and low emission generation in Victoria. An issues paper will be released in the near future describing the scope of the inquiry, the information the Commission is seeking, and outlining the process and timetable for the inquiry. The inquiry was referred to the Commission on 13 January 2012 and is due to provide a final report to the Government by 13 July 2012. To find out more, go to the VCEC website.

Living Victoria Rebate Program
The Victorian Government is currently offering rebates for Victorian small businesses and households on water efficient products. The Living Victoria Rebate Program was launched in July 2011 and will be available until June 2013. Home and garden rebates under the program are now being extended to all Victorian households (including those that are self-supplied and not connected to a reticulated water supply). Rebates are available for products purchased and installed between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2013. Rebates are now also available for small businesses connected to a reticulated water supply that have 20 or fewer employees, to improve the water efficiency of their business. Small businesses are eligible to receive a one-off rebate of up to $2000 for the purchase and implementation of a range of products, appliances and services as set out in an approved schedule. Small business rebates are available for products purchased and installed between 19 July 2011 and 30 June 2013.

Let’s step up to engage with disability employment organisations
The VLGA is encouraging the Victorian Government and local governments to consider adopting the New South Wales (NSW) Government’s policy to strengthen working partnerships with disability employment organisations through the establishment of business pathways between Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE) and government departments and agencies. According to statistics, approximately 18% or one million Victorians have some form of disability. The VLGA believes employment provides empowerment and a sense of belonging for people with a disability. It also improves social outcomes such as health and community inclusion. The Victorian Government was quick to establish the regulatory guidelines that allowed its government departments and agencies to by-pass mandatory tender requirements when purchasing from an Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE), but it has since fallen behind other jurisdictions. It is important to leverage and acknowledge this provision to ensure opportunities and outcomes for people with disability are achieved through targeted government purchasing arrangements. Procurement opportunities in the NSW Government have been enhanced for ADEs by changes to the Public Sector Employment and Management (Goods and Services) Regulation 2010, which now contains an exemption (Clause 27) allowing government agencies to directly engage with ADEs. In partnership with National Disability Services (NDS), the NSW Government coordinates the Ready, Willing and Able program, which consists of three key actions with the combined aims of providing sustainable employment opportunities for people with disability in the NSW public sector, and setting procurement targets for purchasing from ADEs. Under this policy, public sector agencies are not required to conduct open competitive tenders where procurement is from disability employment organisations. The exemption to local governments is currently capped and does not extend to contracts exceeding $150,000.

University of Melbourne study to compare dollar value on land use
Post-graduate students from the University of Melbourne will be comparing the economic benefits of conventional versus lifestyle farming for the next Agribusiness Gippsland survey in mid-February. Mornington Peninsula Shire is helping Agribusiness Gippsland to host the study. For more information contact Sue on 0402 267 802.

Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission
VLGA members may be aware of the Federal Government’s intent to establish the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC). A discussion paper has been released and public comment is welcome, with submissions due on 28 February. The ACNC Discussion Paper has been released to seek feedback on the functions and operations of the ACNC. The paper discusses the design and implementation of the new reporting framework for charities that will be administered by the ACNC and is a central platform for the Government’s vision of ‘report once-use often’ reporting for the NFP sector. It also seeks comments on the ACNC’s public information portal, and the ACNC’s educative role. In addition to the discussion paper the ACNC are also conducting public consultations around Australia. You can register for one of these sessions via the ACNC website.

Whole of Government review of Victoria’s Alcohol and Drug Strategy
The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) is asking all Victorians to provide feedback and ideas on how the harms associated with alcohol and drugs can be reduced. VLGA members can add comments and ideas to the discussion forum at http://your-say.net.au/ or send an email with your comments, ideas or personal stories. You can also participate in one of a series of focus groups being undertaken in metropolitan Melbourne in February. Exact times and locations are yet to be determined, however if you wish to participate, please email or call 9412 5600 to register your interest. There is only a small window of opportunity to contribute, with the consultation taking place between 23 January and 19 February 2012. For further details contact David Taylor, Policy Officer at VAADA, on 9412 5603.

VLGA Events

First Leading Edge Forum for 2012
2012 Timor-Leste Elections: implications, opportunities and challenges
Thursday 2 February, from 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street Carlton
**THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL** Due to an overwhelming response, this event has now reached full capacity. If you have not already registered to secure your place at this forum we encourage you to watch the event via our live webcast on the night; starting at 7pm.
To view the webcast live on the night go to: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/vlga-leading-edge-forum

As Timor-Leste faces its third round of democratic elections since it formally achieved independence in 2002, our first LEF for the year brings a range of speakers together to reflect on the implications for our nearest neighbour and Australians. Join experts and observers to explore: who’s who in the Timor-Leste Elections; long-term dynamics and issues likely to face any new President, the Government and people; implications for the strategic relationship with Australia; and how Australian friendship relationships are influencing wellbeing in local communities. Confirmed speakers include Dr Clinton Fernandes, Cr Rachael Powning and Rae Kingsbury.

Being Deputy Mayor in the final council year
Thursday 9 February 2012
5.30pm for 6pm start -9pm (incl. light refreshments)
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA is offering our popular development session for those serving as Deputy Mayor in 2012. There is no uniform role for Deputy Mayors, and this could be particularly challenging during an election year. The role can vary from simply deputising for the Mayor when they are unavailable, to sharing some of the team-building, strategy and other responsibilities with the Mayor. This session will include ample time to explore your individual needs and circumstances and those of your council. It is a unique opportunity to learn from others performing the same role, share and reflect on your own experiences, hear about strategies from others and plan for the rest of your term.
For further information please phone (03) 9349 7999 or download the registration form.

Other Events

Melbourne versus Sydney: Do they compete? Who’s winning? Are they in the wrong game?

Thursday 16 February, 4pm (incl. light refreshments)
Theatrette at State Library of Victoria, Entry 3, 179 Latrobe St Melbourne
RSVP by Thursday 2 February
Bookings are essential for this free event hosted by SGS Economics and Planning. Australia is supposedly driven by the resources sector, situated mainly in WA and Qld. However, the facts show that Sydney and Melbourne are the nation's principal wealth generators. The strategic national economic role of Sydney and Melbourne lies in their production and export of advanced business services including to inter-regional clients in the mining states. Whilst there is a fair amount of competitive tension between the two cities, there is also a great deal of complementarity in their business service roles. This discussion will feature a range of economists, planners and geographers from SGS, chaired by Marcus Spiller. To register, send email or call Rebecca Stroud on 8616 0331.

23 January 2012

2012-01-23T13:42:00.004+11:00

VLGA President’s Message
It was great to see so many of you at the Essential Mayors’ Weekend 2012 at Torquay just a few days ago. We welcomed the Minister for Local Government the Hon Jeanette Powell on Thursday evening, and Shadow Minister the Hon Richard Wynne on Friday evening, and we enjoyed hearing from them on their perspectives about the sector. Our Masterclasses were also very popular and the atmosphere of the weekend demonstrated to me that mayors have formed some close working relationships with one another already. Good luck to you all in the year ahead.

I wanted to mention two pieces of positive news from the Victorian Government this week. Note the article below on the Victorian Government’s Action Plan for preventing violence against women, and please take the time to have your say in the consultation process. The VLGA was also pleased to see the media release from Planning Minister Matthew Guy last week about his regional tour of Western Victoria with local MP Simon Ramsay, and their meetings with several councils.

Members may be interested to know about the Country Fire Authority’s new smartphone application – FireReady. Victorians are urged to develop their fire plan early and practise it with family or friends. For those who are planning to travel, visit the CFA website to check the fire warnings before you go, and to see useful resources and tools, including Online Bushfire Information Session, the My Plan and Travellers' Checklist. Download the free CFA FireReady smartphone app for the latest information and updates, from wherever you are. I’m using it and it’s a great initiative.

I look forward to seeing you around the traps. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to call me to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email.

Cr Samantha Dunn, President

Keeping you up to date

Constitutional recognition of local government – Expert Panel Final Report released

Federal Local Government Minister Simon Crean released the final report drafted by the independent Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government for the Government in December 2011. The VLGA has resolved to support the Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) campaign for constitutional recognition. The key issues raised in the VLGA’s submission are:

* democratic local government should be recognised in the Australian Constitution as the third level of government in Australia; and
* this recognition should be in a way which guarantees, constitutionally, the capacity of the Commonwealth Government to fund local governments directly when this is appropriate.

The VLGA welcomes the Minister’s acknowledgement of the need to protect the Commonwealth Government’s ability to directly fund local government and the objective to create a relationship that supports, facilitates and drives collaboration among all three levels of government. As part of the public discussion paper, the Expert Panel identified four forms of recognition: symbolic recognition, financial recognition, democratic recognition and recognition through federal cooperation. The report stated that financial recognition has the highest support base among the political leadership at both federal and State levels, although much of this support is only ‘in-principle’ and subject to the precise wording of any referendum proposal. A majority of panel members concluded that financial recognition is a viable option within the 2013 timeframe indicated by the terms of reference. The VLGA’s position is that it will support the more detailed positions of the MAV and ALGA. The VLGA will continue to communicate with members as this process continues in order to ensure that a successful campaign is implemented to achieve the overall goal of constitutional recognition of local government. The Federal Government aims to provide comment to the final report in early 2012.

And Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
On Thursday last week a report on how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples could be recognised in the Constitution was presented to the Prime Minister by members of the Panel on Constitutional Recognition. The comprehensive report draws on the Panel's extensive consultations across the country, more than 3500 submissions received, research and national surveys, as well as meetings with Indigenous leaders, and the advice of constitutional law experts. The Panel’s recommendations include recognising and respecting the continuing cultures, languages and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples, removing racist elements from the Constitution and prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of race, colour or ethnic or national origin. VLGA partners Reconciliation Victoria, in conjunction with ANTaR Victoria and VCOSS, welcomed the recommendations in the report. Their joint media release said that “the Panel’s report has been developed from a strong process of community engagement. Australians were clear that they want recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution, and for the racist elements to be removed. All levels of government now have a role to play in facilitating a referendum and in helping to secure broad community support to ensure the Australian Constitution reflects our community today.” The VLGA also welcomes the report and we urge our members to consider the Panel’s proposed changes to Australia’s Constitution.

Victorian Government action on preventing violence against women
The VLGA congratulates Women’s Affairs Minister the Hon Mary Wooldridge on her announcement of a whole-of-Government Action Plan to address violence against women and their children. Minister Wooldridge says the Government intends to “address all forms of violence against women and their children under the Action Plan, with a continued strong focus on family violence and sexual assault, given their serious and widespread impact on women and their children.” The Minister is seeking input from stakeholders, and VLGA members interested in providing comment on the Action Plan can access the Consultation Framework here. The Consultation Framework outlines the Government’s current effort in addressing violence against women and their children, and identifies proposed future directions and action areas. In particular, the Minister would like responses to the questions on page 18. Written feedback should be sent via email by 23 March 2012. A template for written submissions is available on the DHS website.

Food Security News - HealthWest Food Security Network – Food Access Profiles launched

The VLGA congratulates the HealthWest Food Security Network on its launch of Food Access Profiles for the six local governments across the western metropolitan region: Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham. Each Food Access Profile includes information on location of fruit and vegetable and take-away outlets, Victorian Healthy Food Basket survey results, vulnerable populations, and recommendations for change specific to each LGA. The Food Access Profiles are available from the HealthWest website.

And more…
And for those members interested in a good read, see this article from The Conversation regarding “choosing suburbs over food”.

National Broadband Network
VLGA member local governments will be watching the development of the National Broadband Network with interest. A recent article in The Age draws attention to comments made by NBN Co’s head that if councils reject NBN Co’s development applications for fixed wireless towers, they will have to rely on slower satellite internet services. It’s a topical issue and one we all need to keep an eye on.

Exploring community acceptance of rural wind farms in Australia: a snapshot
Members might also be interested to see a recent CSIRO research report on public attitudes to wind farms. A peer-reviewed study by Brisbane researchers investigated attitudes to nine wind farms in various stages of development in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Given that so many local governments in Victoria have dealt with wind farm development applications and their objectors, we have made the report available for download.

ABS Census information session on Victorian Population Data
Because it is such a substantial change, the ABS will be presenting this information session to assist in clarifying plans for the preparation and release of population estimates under the new geography. The session will explain how population estimates are currently prepared and released, and how and when they will be prepared and released. Maps will also be available to show how the new geography will impact on population estimates for Victoria. There will also be a presentation from the Department of Planning and Community Development on the opportunities that population and census data offer to enhance the evidence base the Victorian Government requires for its policy making, planning and service delivery functions. The session will be held at the Department of Transport Theatre, 121 Exhibition St, Melbourne on Wednesday 22 February, 2-4.30pm. Please register your interest by email with 'Population Seminar' in the subject line by 10 February. Please include your name, organisation, and contact details in the email. If you have any questions, or wish to nominate 'questions on notice', please don't hesitate to include these when you register your interest.

Arts Victoria Facilities Audit
Positive Solutions will be conducting a Facilities Audit for Arts Victoria in mid-January, and local government officers will be contacted and asked to complete a short online survey. The audit will focus on government-owned regional performing and visual arts facilities in Victoria. It will include State and local government owned facilities dedicated primarily to the performing and visual arts. Facilities incorporated in the audit will include:

* performance venues regularly supporting professional activity – public exhibition spaces, museums with visual arts exhibition spaces, and galleries (excluding private galleries)
* arts development facilities that support professional practice

Venues occasionally used for arts purposes and facilities with a local and/or training focus will not be included. Educational facilities also fall outside the scope of audit, except where a facility of regional significance has been developed on school/university grounds. For further information please contact David Fishel, Director, Positive Solutions via email.

RMIT Diploma of Community Development
RMIT University is offering a program aimed at community leaders, experienced volunteers, workers and managers in community service organisations. The Diploma of Community Development is delivered through intensive workshops one to two days per month at the RMIT City Campus. An information session will be held on Thursday 2 February, 10am-12pm, at RMIT University Building 51, Level 3, Room 6 80-92 Victoria Street, Melbourne. To register for the information session via email. For more information, contact the Community Services team at RMIT on 9925 4464 or 9925 4226.

VLGA Events

First Leading Edge Forum for 2012
2012 Timor-Leste Elections: implications, opportunities and challenges
Thursday 2 February, from 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street Carlton
As Timor-Leste faces its third round of democratic elections since it formally achieved independence in 2002, our first LEF for the year brings a range of speakers together to reflect on the implications for our nearest neighbour and Australians. Join experts and observers to explore: who’s who in the Timor-Leste Elections; long-term dynamics and issues likely to face any new President, the Government and people; implications for the strategic relationship with Australia; and how Australian friendship relationships are influencing wellbeing in local communities. Confirmed speakers include Dr Clinton Fernandes, Cr Rachel Powning and Rae Kingsbury. See the flyer for more information. You can register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.

Being Deputy Mayor in the final council year
Thursday 9 February 2012
5.30pm for 6pm start -9pm (incl. light refreshments)
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA is offering our popular development session for those serving as Deputy Mayor in 2012. There is no uniform role for Deputy Mayors, and this could be particularly challenging during an election year. The role can vary from simply deputising for the Mayor when they are unavailable, to sharing some of the team-building, strategy and other responsibilities with the Mayor. This session will include ample time to explore your individual needs and circumstances and those of your council. It is a unique opportunity to learn from others performing the same role, share and reflect on your own experiences, hear about strategies from others and plan for the rest of your term.

For further information please phone (03) 9349 7999 or download the registration form.

Other Events

Launch of ‘Cyber-bullying’ CALDCOM Storyboard
Hosted by the Moreland City Council
Monday 6 February, 9.30am for 10-11.30am
Council Chambers, 90 Bell Street Coburg
Moreland City Council is pleased to be launching their design of a Cyber Bullying Storyboard on 6 February at the council chambers. To RSVP or for further information, contact Tony O’Brien via email or phone 9240 2379.

Street by Street – recovering the practice and art of neighbourliness training workshop

Tuesday 21 February, 10am-3pm
Angliss Conference Centre, Melbourne
Street by Street is a national neighbourhood support program that links people who live in the same street or nearby. The focus is on practical helping tasks such as taking the bin in and out, hanging washing, getting a few items from the shops, or getting mail from the letter box. A training workshop for leaders and participants in the Street by Street program will be held on Tuesday 21 February in Melbourne. For further information on the program, and to register, go here.

16 January 2012

2012-01-16T14:07:00.007+11:00

VLGA President’s Message
Happy New Year to everyone! As you know, the start of the year heralds the VLGA’s signature event and I look forward to seeing a large number of you at our Essential Mayors’ Weekend from Thursday this week. This continues to be one of our most popular training offers every year, and I’m delighted that we have so many first-time mayors joining us for networking, master classes, and a range of opportunities to work together in a confidential environment. While registrations have filled quickly, it’s not too late for any other interested mayors to send in a last-minute registration. You can obtain the program and a registration form from Sarah Colgan, via email or phone 9349 7983. I look forward to seeing you about this year, and welcome to 2012.

Cr Samantha Dunn, President

Keeping you up to date

Review of Australia’s federal anti-discrimination laws
As part of the Australian Government’s Human Rights Framework, the Government (through the Attorney-General and Minister for Finance and Deregulation) has announced it is reviewing Australia’s federal anti-discrimination laws, including the Disability Discrimination Act, with the intention of consolidating federal anti-discrimination legislation into one single comprehensive law and making rights and obligations clearer and easier to understand. The Government is conscious that anti-discrimination law has become complex and it is important that people easily understand their rights and obligations. There are currently five pieces of Commonwealth anti-discrimination legislation including the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, the Age Discrimination Act 2004 and the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986. A discussion paper has been released with submissions due 1 February 2012. VLGA member councils may be interested in responding to the discussion paper. For more information, go here.

Better Practice Building Site Management discussion paper
Minister Powell has released the Better Practice Building Site Management discussion paper in the past week. Local Government Victoria (LGV) is currently communicating with stakeholders on the discussion paper. LGV undertook a detailed analysis of building site management local laws which identified variations in local laws and council enforcement practices. The Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission in the Inquiry into Streamlining Local Government Regulation Draft Report also identified building site local laws in their review. The Victorian Government's preferred option for rectifying any inconsistencies is for local government and the building industry to voluntarily implement the agreed changes with joint responsibilities. The discussion is open for formal comment until 29 February 2012. If member councils have comments they would like the VLGA to add to our response please email Maree McPherso n.

Applications open for women’s director scholarships – closing 10 February
Women’s Affairs Minister Mary Wooldridge has encouraged women from across Victoria to consider applying for a scholarship to enhance their board expertise and skills. Applications are open for the Victorian Women’s Governance Scholarship – a joint initiative of the Victorian Government and the Australian Institute of Company Directors that will provide 34 women with training in corporate governance through the Company Directors’ Course. $180,000 funding has been provided by the Victorian Government, and the scholarships are available to women who are serving directors of non-profit boards that currently receive state government funding. Scholarship applications close on 10 February 2012. For further information and application forms, go here.

Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence 2012 – nominations closing 9 February
Celebrating and recognising the great work that people, groups, businesses, schools and governments do to protect Victoria’s magnificent coastal and marine environments, the 2012 awards are now open for nominations. There are a number of award categories; for further information and nomination forms visit www.vcc.vic.gov.au and follow the links to the Coastal Awards 2012. You can also phone 9637 8893 or send email to gain information from an awards team member.

What do we want for our Head of State?
Deakin University and the Australian republican movement in Victoria are hosting a conference on the role of the Australian Head of State, both now and into the future. The conference will be held at Deakin University Melbourne City Centre on 4 February 2012. The main aims of the conference are to:
* Improve the present level of knowledge and understanding of the role of the Head of State discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the present system
* Identify common aspirations for the Head of State's role in future, including engaging with the younger and rural demographic to help foster an interest in our Head of State and change to a republic
For further details and registration information go here.

Helpful resources from Moreland – the CALDCOM Handbook
Local governments and organisations that have Culturally and Linguistically Diverse people in their communities might be interested in seeing Moreland’s new CALDCOM Handbook 2. It's now available on the Moreland website. For further information, you can contact Manager Communications and Research, Peter Fitz, at Moreland via email or phone 9240 1111.

IAP2 new training programs for 2012
IAP2 has opened their online bookings for their new training courses, Cred! and Building an Engaging Organisation, delivered by iconic P2 practitioner, Anne Pattillo. Numbers are limited, so for further information check the IAP2 website for details.

New IWC Graduate Certificate in Water Planning
In response to identified skills needs across the water resource and planning profession, the International Water Centre (IWC) has developed a new Graduate Certificate in Integrated Water Management (Water Planning) focused on building capacity in effective community participation, social assessment and conflict management. The program is available to Australian/New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents. It is designed to accelerate career development and encourage dialogue across disciplines among water planners. The program will commence in Semester 1 (March) 2012 at Griffith University. To see application information, go here.

VLGA Events

First Leading Edge Forum for 2012
2012 Timor-Leste Elections: implications, opportunities and challenges
Thursday 2 February, from 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street Carlton
As Timor-Leste faces its third round of democratic elections since it formally achieved independence in 2002, our first LEF for the year brings a range of speakers together to reflect on the implications for our nearest neighbour and Australians. Join experts and observers to explore: who’s who in the Timor-Leste Elections; long-term dynamics and issues likely to face any new President, the Government and people; implications for the strategic relationship with Australia; and how Australian friendship relationships are influencing wellbeing in local communities. Confirmed speakers include Dr Clinton Fernandes, Cr Rachael Powning and Rae Kingsbury. See the flyer for more information. You can register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.

Being Deputy Mayor in the final council year
Thursday 9 February 2012
5.30pm for 6pm start -9pm (incl. light refreshments)
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA is offering our popular development session for those serving as Deputy Mayor in 2012. There is no uniform role for Deputy Mayors, and this could be particularly challenging during an election year. The role can vary from simply deputising for the Mayor when they are unavailable, to sharing some of the team-building, strategy and other responsibilities with the Mayor. This session will include ample time to explore your individual needs and circumstances and those of your council. It is a unique opportunity to learn from others performing the same role, share and reflect on your own experiences, hear about strategies from others and plan for the rest of your term.

For further information please phone (03) 9349 7999 or download the registration form.

Other Events

Gambling from a public health perspective
Friday 10 February, 1.30-5pm
Centre for Regulatory Studies, Monash Law Chambers, 55 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Organised by Monash University, Public Health Association Australia and VicHealth, this forum will draw on lessons from tobacco control for the proposed reform of gambling regulation. For more information and to RSVP with your workshop preference (research, advocacy or policy), see the Monash University website.

‘Storming Against Violence’ Breakfast
Tuesday 14 February, 7.30-9am
River Room, Crown Casino
and
Be the Hero! Premier Event
Thursday 16 February, 6.30-8.30pm
Melbourne Town Hall – registration essential
Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club and the Victorian Women’s Trust are hosting these events aimed at conversation and insights, actions and strategies to break the cycles of violence against women. For further information see the flyer on the VWT website, phone 9642 0422 or send email.

19 December 2011

2011-12-19T11:27:00.004+11:00

VLGA President’s Message
Last week, I met with Planning Minister Mathew Guy and his senior staff. The Minister advised that he would be receiving the report on the Review of Victoria’s Overall Planning System (the ‘Underwood Review’) on 16 December. More than 500 submissions have been received and the report will bring together a diverse and wide range of views from stakeholders. Minister Guy committed to making the report public in the New Year and to taking the time in 2012 to have a proper dialogue with the community and local governments around the recommendations from the Review. We also discussed the Urban Growth Boundary and Green Wedges, and the Growth Areas plans. We raised the need for a greater focus on coastal planning and assisting local governments with greater clarity and good data to help them plan effectively. We are aware that the Minister has been working with a number of local governments on their specific needs and the Minister advised coastal planning will be given greater emphasis in the first part of 2012. This is our last eNews for the year, and we will recommence our communications with members in mid-January. I want to take this opportunity to wish all our members the very best for the festive season and to ask that you stay safe and have some time to relax with your loved ones. Thank you for your support throughout 2011 and I look forward to seeing many of you in the New Year when I return from my break. Warmest wishes.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President

Keeping you up to date

A brief summary of the year that was…
The VLGA has had a productive and successful 2012. Major news was our receipt of the 2011 VicHealth Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Promotion for building capacity in local governments and communities for our Food for All Information Dissemination Project. Our other exciting news was that the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord Committee has approved the VLGA to undertake our new Resilient Neighbourhoods project from January to August 2012. Other highlights include:
* a well-regarded submission for Victorian planning system review
* a very successful inaugural Essential Councillors Workshop and development sessions for new councillors and deputy mayors
* commencement of the Good Governance Guide review project in partnership with the MAV, LGPro and Local Government Victoria
* productive meetings with the Minister for Local Government and her advisors and other Ministers and Opposition members
* we commenced the Local Government Gaming Officer and the Supporting Local Governments on Gaming Policy project
* delivery of Food Security Planning in Urban Design workshops and initial council activities for the Municipal Food Security Scanning Tool project
* governance sessions with a number of member councils

We look forward to working with you in 2012.

$5,000 grants for local government Responsible Gambling Awareness Week activities
The Department of Justice has issued an invitation for local governments to apply for a grant of up to $5,000 for Responsible Gambling Awareness Week events or activities, from 14-20 May 2012. This is a significant increase from the $500 offered by the Department of Justice to local governments in previous years. The closing date for submissions is 23 January 2012. With many people taking leave in January, you may want to start discussions with your Gambler’s Help Service and neighbouring local governments this year to get an application together in time. The theme for this year is young people. Events, activities and initiatives that effectively reach this target group will be considered. Six grants are available and will be chosen on a regional basis to ensure a spread of activities across Victoria. Joint applications with more than one local government are strongly encouraged. You will need to be as detailed as possible in your application. Application guidelines and assessment criteria are outlined here. For more information, contact Madeleine Scanlon from the Department of Justice on (03) 8684 1988 or via email.

Whittlesea’s ‘See Beyond Race’ media campaign recognised for outstanding journalism
Whittlesea LEAD project’s December eNews has reported that the ‘See Beyond Race’ media campaign, a partnership of Whittlesea Leader and the City of Whittlesea, has won the 2011 VicHealth Award for Outstanding Journalism on Health Promotion. Journalist Cheryl Balfour took out the award for the articles that profiled five local residents from diverse backgrounds in a bid to breakdown cultural prejudice and stereotypes and reduce race-based discrimination. The media partnership was a key strategy of the City of Whittlesea's ‘See Beyond Race’ campaign. The campaign involved mainstream advertising, communications and media activities, in order to build positive attitudes and behaviours towards diversity in the wider community. Award judges said the quality, depth and fairness of the reports was “extremely impressive and a terrific asset for the Whittlesea community at large”. For more information about the 2011 VicHealth Awards for health Promotion, go here.

Launch of the Responsible Gambling Advocacy Centre Guides
The Minister for Gaming, Hon Michael O’Brien MP, formally launched the Responsible Gambling Advocacy Centre’s (RGAC) GAP Project: Guides to the Application Processes associated with EGMs, on Wednesday 14 December 2011. VLGA Chief Executive Officer, Maree McPherson and Gaming Policy Officer, Emma Shepherdson attended the event at the Melbourne Town Hall. The Guides were developed in response to community confusion about the licence and planning processes associated with Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs). The Guides aim to make planning and licence processes for EGMs clearer and enable communities and local government officers to develop informed responses to any application for an EGM in their community. The guides provide simple and practical information in the form of three Guides, as well as process charts and useful fact sheets with tips, case studies and information. K2 Planning was commissioned as planning expert to deliver the project with RGAC. The Guides are an online document available at: http://egm.responsiblegambling.org.au/. Downloadable PDFs of the Guides are also available on the website.

Update on Women’s Policy
For more than 12 years the VLGA has been demonstrating leadership around the issues affecting women councillors and citizens and their participation in local governments. In 1999, the VLGA became an active member of the Women’s Participation in Local Government Coalition (WPILGC) and has undertaken the Secretariat role for this Coalition since 2000. In 2005, the VLGA appointed what was possibly the first peak local government Women’s Policy Officer. The VLGA’s Women’s Policy Advisory Group reports to the VLGA Board about issues that support the VLGA’s role in this area. The VLGA is a major signatory to the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter which has three principles: gender equity, diversity and active citizenship. The VLGA’s leading work on women’s policy continues and a comprehensive run-down on our activities can be found here. A whole range of useful information can be located through this link including resources for download, fact sheets and links. The Think women for local government 2012 project continues into next year and workshops start in earnest from March 2012. More information can be obtained via email.

Reconciliation in Local Government
Over the past year, Reconciliation Victoria has led the Reconciliation in Local Government Action Research Project, in partnership with the VLGA and Reconciliation Australia, and with funding support from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria. The aim of the project was to explore the usefulness, advantages and limitations of the Reconciliation Action Plan tool for Victorian local governments to advance reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. The project assisted three local governments to develop Reconciliation Action Plans – Baw Baw Shire Council and the Cities of Whittlesea and Stonnington. The report of the project has made recommendations related to the Reconciliation Action Plan program for local governments, recommendations directed at individual local governments, and recommendations for peak bodies and State government regarding support for the local government sector.

International Women’s Day
In 2012, International Women’s Day will be celebrated on Thursday 8 March 2012. The entire month of March has become a landmark month for events that celebrate and champion women for their achievements in families, communities, organisations and politics. Why not make ‘think women for local government’ a theme in 2012? Now is a good time to start planning. If you would like some have a look at some tips from 2011, click here.

VLGA Events

2012 Essential Mayors Weekend
From all accounts, a high number of first-time Mayors have been elected over the last couple of weeks. Being Mayor is a challenge at all times, and there will be added pressures in navigating the final year of the council term. The VLGA’s Essential Mayors’ Weekend is one of our most popular training offers, and we encourage as many Mayors as possible to join us for networking, master classes, and a range of opportunities to work together in a confidential environment on local challenges and solutions. Interested Mayors can download the program and the registration form from our website.

First Leading Edge Forum for 2012
2012 Timor-Leste Elections: implications, opportunities and challenges
Thursday 2 February, from 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street Carlton
As Timor-Leste faces its third round of democratic elections since it formally achieved independence in 2002, our first LEF for the year brings a range of speakers together to reflect on the implications for our nearest neighbour and Australians. Join experts and observers to explore who’s who in the Timor-Leste Elections; long-term dynamics and issues likely to face any new President, the Government and people; implications for the strategic relationship with Australia, and how Australian friendship relationships are influencing wellbeing in local communities. See the flyer for more information. You can register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.

Being Deputy Mayor in the final council year
Thursday 9 February 2012
5.30pm for 6pm start -9pm (incl. light refreshments)
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA is offering our popular development session for those serving as Deputy Mayor in 2012. There is no uniform role for Deputy Mayors, and this could be particularly challenging during an election year. The role can vary from simply deputising for the Mayor when they are unavailable, to sharing some of the team-building, strategy and other responsibilities with the Mayor. This session will include ample time to explore your individual needs and circumstances and those of your council. It is a unique opportunity to learn from others performing the same role, share and reflect on your own experiences, hear about strategies from others and plan for the rest of your term.

For further information please contact (03) 9349 7999 and you can download the registration form here.

12 December 2011

2011-12-12T14:16:00.004+11:00

VLGA President’s Message
As we wind down towards the end of the year, this will be the second last eNews, so we thought we would keep it short and sweet. We will be up and running again in mid-January, so if you miss your weekly fix of our eNews, we encourage you to use the time to rest and spend time with family and friends. I would like to thank everyone who came along last Thursday morning to celebrate International Human Rights Day. The theme for the 2011 International Human Rights Day is ‘promoting human dignity’ and also marks the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day. It was wonderful to see people, and to get some important updates about what is happening in this space. I also wanted to share some really good news with members that late last week we received approval from the Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee for a VLGA project called Resilient Neighbourhoods: integrated approaches to urban planning. The project seeks to address three key challenges for local government:
* The need for more integrated planning within local government, and between government agencies, for urban growth and change
* Opportunities to facilitate effective community dialogue about sustainable urban growth and change
* To support local governments to meet the increasing challenge of engagement over diverse and sometimes confronting issues

We will be working with lots of local governments facing urban growth and change, and if you would like to know more about the project, drop me a line. That’s it from me this week. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to call me to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President

Keeping you up to date

VLGA Submission on Pre-commitment for Pokies
The State Government recently released a Discussion Paper on Pre-Commitment for Pokies. In our submission, we stated that in our view, voluntary pre-commitment – if it is well-promoted and there is a high take-up rate – can assist (but is not really as effective as fully as mandatory) those people who have accepted they are beginning to develop, or have a problem with gambling and want to stay in control. While our strong preference would be for a mandatory model, we believe that voluntary pre-commitment should be combined with other measures (e.g. lower limits on machines, and reduced spin rates) if it is to be effective.

Program announced for 2012 Essential Mayors Weekend
From all accounts, a high number of first-time Mayors have been elected over the last couple of weeks. Being Mayor is a challenge at all times, and there will be added pressures in navigating the final year of the council term. The VLGA’s Essential Mayors’ Weekend is one of our most popular training offers, and we encourage as many Mayors as possible to join us for networking, master classes, and a range of opportunities to work together in a confidential environment on local challenges and solutions. Interested Mayors can download the program and the registration form from our website.

Independent Commissioner to oversee FOI requests
Members may be aware that legislation to establish a commissioner to oversee freedom of information (FOI) requests made to Government departments was introduced into State Parliament last week. The appointment of an independent FOI commissioner was one of the Coalition's key election promises. It is proposed that the independent commissioner will be appointed by the Governor-in-Council as an officer of the Parliament. The commissioner will have the power to review FOI decisions, investigate complaints and educate government departments about how to better handle FOI applications. The State Government deserves congratulations on this announcement, but the VLGA believes that a statutory officer alone cannot turn around a secretive FOI culture that has been allowed to thrive in Victoria. We look forward to monitoring whether this culture changes in the interests of transparency and community access to decision-making.

More coverage on the IBAC
In last week’s eNews, we provided some information about the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) and we note the passing of the First and Second Readings of the Bill in Parliament last Thursday. There was plenty of coverage on talk-back radio on Friday morning, with a wide and diverse range of commentators welcoming the Bill. There was further coverage in The Age on Thursday. To see the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Amendment (Investigative Functions) Bill 2011 and associated documents, go here. The VLGA will provide further information to members in the new year.

Inspiring Communities Conference papers now available
Some time ago in eNews, we talked about the wonderful Inspiring Communities Conference held in Shepparton earlier in the year. This Conference highlighted the need to work ‘inside-out’ with communities to ascertain and harness their assets and strengths, rather than ‘top-down’ approaches that can often be viewed suspiciously by communities. Conference organisers have now advised that presentations are available at http://www.inspirecommunities.com.au/, under the ‘Resources’ tab. Once other presentations become available they will be placed on this page as well.

2012 From Strength to Strength Conference keynote speaker announced
National Disability Services (NDS) is pleased to announce that the opening keynote speaker for the 2012 From Strength to Strength conference will be Stuart Taylor, Managing Partner of The Resilience Institute, speaking on Resilient Leadership in Challenging Times. In 2002, while climbing the ladder to corporate executive, Stuart was diagnosed with brain cancer and given a prognosis of two and a half years to live. Far from accepting the prognosis, Stuart embarked on a journey back to physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual health. Part of this journey included creating The Resilience Institute in Australia to share his experience and philosophy with Australian organisations. Stuart has recently celebrated his nine year milestone and really is going from strength to strength. Keep up to date with the conference program by visiting their dedicated conference website. For more information about the conference program, please contact Jieh-Yung Lo, at NDS, on 03 8341 431 or email.

Federal Parliamentary Library Clean Energy Bill Digest
Following the passage of recent legislation has been a very complex task. To assist with community understanding, the Parliamentary Library has produced a Bills Digest of the Clean Energy Bills that explains what the new Acts will do, describes the genesis of the MPCCC, summarises different parties policies, different countries' emissions reduction commitments, and lots of other useful bits and pieces – all with the meticulous citation that the Library always provides – all in 117 concise pages!

Victorian Inquiry into the Social and Economic Costs of Problem Gambling
The State Government will direct the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) to undertake a public inquiry next year into the social and economic costs of problem gambling in Victoria. This directive is one of the Victorian Coalition’s pre-election promises on tackling problem gambling, within the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Plan for Gaming (2010). The VLGA supports the State Government’s decision to undertake an independent inquiry into the social and economic costs associated with problem gambling in Victoria, taking into account the significant work already undertaken by the Productivity Commission in this area. The State Government should, however, consider broadening the scope of the inquiry to consider the impact that gambling as an industry has on the Victorian community, rather than just problem gambling. For local governments in particular, data directly related to gambling is very difficult to source in regards to debt and bankruptcy, crime, interpersonal relationship breakdown, expenditure diversion and employment. Any inquiry should address these costs as identified by the Productivity Commission. The VLGA welcomes the inquiry, which will assist not only State Government, but also local governments to provide effective policy and problem gambling prevention programs at a local level.

VLGA Events

First Leading Edge Forum for 2012
2012 Timor-Leste Elections: implications, opportunities and challenges
Thursday 2 February, from 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street Carlton
As Timor-Leste faces its third round of democratic elections since it formally achieved independence in 2002, our first LEF for the year brings a range of speakers together to reflect on the implications for our nearest neighbour and Australians. Join experts and observers to explore who’s who in the Timor-Leste Elections; long-term dynamics and issues likely to face any new President, the Government and people; implications for the strategic relationship with Australia, and how Australian friendship relationships are influencing wellbeing in local communities. More details and invitation to follow!

5 December 2011

2011-12-05T15:43:00.003+11:00

VLGA President’s Message
The days are winding down to Christmas and we are all running between events it seems. The past week has been a hectic time at the VLGA with our annual Christmas function for members on Thursday night, where we were delighted to award our second John Jago Award for Good Governance (see below). On the same night, we were very proud to receive our own award – the 2011 VicHealth Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Promotion (also see below). Last Tuesday, the VLGA co-convened the Urban Climate Justice Research Roundtable with Curtin, Griffith, Macquarie, Monash and RMIT universities and the University of Melbourne as a step in bridging the gap between research and practice. We were welcomed by Federal Member for Melbourne, Adam Bandt MP, at RMIT’s Storey Hall, and more than 40 participants workshopped what it means to have a ‘climate just’ city in Australia. Particular thanks to VLGA Vice President Cr Heinz Kreutz and the VLGA staff team for putting this together.

Also last week, I wrote to Premier Baillieu regarding the Victorian Government’s review of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) (the Charter). I commended to the Premier the evidence provided by local governments to the Review, which was overwhelmingly in favour of a retention of the Charter and for strengthening the capacity of local governments as responsible authorities. The Charter has made a real difference to the lives of many Victorians and has had a direct impact on the policies and practices of local governments. See the letter here.

Finally, in my meeting with Minister Powell last week, I provided feedback from VLGA members on the Ministerial Mayors Advisory Panel, which was well-received. The Minister also reinforced her desire to include all peaks in the discussions on the VLGSA.

That’s it from me this week. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President

Keeping you up to date

Indigo wins the VLGA’s 2011 John Jago Good Governance Award
Indigo Shire Council's Indigo 2030 Community Vision Project has won the John Jago Award for good governance for 2011. Indigo's win was announced at the VLGA's end of year function on 1 December and was accepted by Indigo Shire’s CEO Brendan McGrath and General Manager Sustainable Communities Mark Florence. We received seven entries this year, and the winning entry was judged as being a very innovative approach to community planning by a small rural shire with significant challenges around geographical size and dispersed populations. Indigo utilised very creative approaches including the arts and storytelling to enable its various communities to speak in their own voices.

The other highly commended short-listed entries were Alpine Shire Council and the Harrietville Community Building Initiative Committee's Community Building Initiative; Baw Baw Shire Council's Baw Baw 2050 plan; and the David House Redevelopment Project by Maribyrnong City Council. All the entries exhibited excellent governance and the VLGA will be displaying all these projects on our website as terrific examples of what Victorian local government can do. Congratulations again to Indigo Shire Council. The VLGA looks forward to running the John Jago Award again in 2012.

VLGA wins prestigious VicHealth Award
Speaking of awards … the 2011 VicHealth Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Promotion has been awarded to the VLGA for building capacity in local governments and communities (or for ‘Organisational Development’) for our Food for All Information Dissemination Project. The VLGA was one of only 22 Award Finalists for health promotion and disease prevention projects across the whole of Victoria – so a prestigious win it was!

Our congratulations especially to Leah Galvin as the Project Officer, Darren Ray as Project Manager, and our administration and policy teams for their contributions to this successful project. We also acknowledge the previous work of VLGA member Dr Beverley Wood on food security over a number of years, which established our reputation in this space. You can see more information on the project in the Award Application Statement. This Award places the VLGA in a good position to continue negotiations with government about improving food security at the local level. It lends considerable weight to existing leverage such as the mention of the VLGA’s food security work in the new State Government’s Preventative Health Plan actions. Watch this space!

Community involvement in planning … matters?
Members may have come across this very good article by Alan March, senior lecturer at the Melbourne School of Design, and Executive of Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, where he makes the case for retaining appeal rights for communities. Alan concludes with the view that “the planning system must be able to determine what the future of the city should be and to get people to generally agree to it in advance, rather than expecting that many tiny incremental changes initiated by infill developments will lead to good outcomes.” The VLGA has been making these points for many years, with a focus on the lead-up to the last State Election, and subsequently in meetings with the Planning Minister. This was a key theme of our submission to the Underwood Inquiry looking into the future of Victoria’s Planning System. Our submission emphasises the need for the planning system to incorporate collaborative approaches that embody the principles of community engagement and good governance. For this to occur, it is vital to ensure that there is equitable access to the planning processes, with local government maintaining its functions in strategic and statutory planning for local communities. While significant gains in efficiency can be made, they should not be sought through a deregulated system that bypasses fair and transparent processes. We await the outcomes of the Underwood Inquiry, and we will continue to make the case for appeal rights and community involvement to be maintained.

VLGA members offered 20% discount for Place Making Training
Creative Communities is offering VLGA members a 20% discount to this season's new and improved 2012 Place Making workshop series with David Engwicht. The focus of the workshop is Day One: The Art of Place Making; and Day Two: Becoming a More Creative Place Maker. David Engwicht is one of the world's most innovative thinkers on creating vibrant public spaces. David empowers design professionals, city officials and citizens with new low cost tools and powerful community engagement approaches to tame traffic, create vibrant places, stimulate economic development, promote civility and build resilience. To claim a 20% discount simply put VLGA in the discount code box. Go online to download the brochure, register, and get more information.

16 Days of Action to prevent violence against women
Don’t forget to take a look at the VLGA’s ‘16 Days of Action’ on our website at www.vlga.org.au, which will run until International Human Rights Day on 10 December. If you’d like to join us for our International Human Rights Day Morning Tea on 8 December with a focus on women, see the details in VLGA events below. We encourage you to have a look at the simple actions you can take as part of our ‘16 Days of Action’, with new actions loaded each day.

Fresh new look for Footscray
Maribyrnong City Council’s Mayor, Cr Sarah Carter, launched the Footscray Integrated Marketing Strategy (FIMS) and a fresh new brand for Footscray at a launch event at Victoria University's Footscray Park Campus last Wednesday. The event highlighted the collaborative, strategic partnerships between key partners in Footscray: Maribyrnong City Council, the State Government, Victoria University, and the Western Bulldogs. The event was attended by senior figures from all the partner organisations. The launch event featured a performance by local artists, the Snuff Puppets, who performed as a 7-tonne elephant, complete with elephant handler. The marketing strategy aims to encourage residents and visitors to take a fresh look at Footscray and what is has to offer: located on the city fringe, offering riverside lifestyle, city views, arts and cultural festivals and unique Asian and African dining experiences and easily accessible to Melbourne’s western growth corridor. The marketing strategy has already led to the creation of a new Footscray destination website – www.footscraylife.com.au – partnered with a bi-monthly Footscray Life newsletter in English, Vietnamese and Chinese.

Melbourne City Council’s Urban Forest Strategy
Melbourne's tree population is vast – we have 60,000 local government owned trees, worth around $650 million. Trees are a defining part of Melbourne. But the trees are now under threat. After a decade of drought, severe water restrictions and periods of extreme heat, combined with an ageing tree stock, we expect to lose 27 per cent of our current tree population in the next decade and 44 per cent in the next 20 years. To pre-empt this major loss, Melbourne City Council has just released their new Urban Forest Strategy. This may also be a model other local governments and communities are interested in following. You can have a read and have your say by visiting melbourneurbanforest.com.au.

Honouring Victorian Women
Nominations for the 2012 Victorian Women’s Honour Roll are closing on 21 December 2011. Since its launch in 2001, 478 women have been included on the Honour Roll. The new inductees will be announced as part of International Women’s Day celebrations in March 2012. Women can be nominated for their contributions in a diverse range of fields including health, science, law, social justice, arts, media and education, as well as their involvement in culturally diverse and Indigenous communities. For more information, nomination forms and posters visit the website at Victorian Women's Honour Roll, contact Brenna Murphy on (03) 9918 7343 or view the website www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-individuals/women.

Call for applications: Future City Leaders Initiative
Are you a young Mayor or Councillor currently involved in your local government’s sustainability initiatives looking to build your knowledge, leadership skills and networks? Future City Leaders is a global initiative that offers a unique two-year environmental capacity building program for 21 selected young mayors and councillors. The accelerated learning curriculum uses face to face mentoring alongside group activities online to help leaders looking for the next step up. Highlights include networking with global peers and experts; attending the ICLEI World Congress and potentially Rio +20 in June 2012; and receiving expert mentoring from established leaders and (also in collaboration with the World Mayors Council on Climate Change). FutureCityLeaders is an outstanding program essential for young mayors and councillors looking to build their leadership skills, collaborate internationally and share best practice case studies in a supportive group of global peers. Applications should be sent to ICLEI by January next year. For further information on the program and to apply, please visit www.iclei.org/futurecityleaders or contact via email.

Supporting Victorian Local Governments Manage Climate Risks and Plan for Change

This MAV report is the second part of the Supporting Victorian Local Governments Manage Climate Risks and Plan for Change project, funded by the Department of Sustainability and Environment. The aims of this, Part B, were to: understand the barriers and constraints local governments face in undertaking, integrating and implementing adaptation planning; to assess the ability of current methodologies, guidance, information and tools to address these issues and barriers; and finally, to identify potential measures to assist councils in their adaptation planning.

Events for your diary

VLGA events

International Human Rights Day Morning Tea
Thursday 8 December, 10-11.30am
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
The VLGA invites you to celebrate International Human Rights Day. The theme for the 2011 International Human Rights Day is ‘promoting human dignity’ and 2011 also marks the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day. Our focus for this year will be on the progress and future of local government and community actions in:
* Preventing Violence Against Women
* Promoting participation of women in next year’s Local Government Elections, and
* The uptake of the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter.

Come along and network with colleagues, and do your bit for International Human Rights Day. Numbers are limited, so please RSVP via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.

Other events

Local Government Promising Practice Forum on the Prevention of Violence against Women

Wednesday 14 December, 12.30-5.30pm
Department of Human Services, Level 1, 50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Speaking of preventing violence against women, and acknowledging the wonderful leadership that local governments in particular have demonstrated, the MAV is holding a Local Government Promising Practice Forum on the Prevention of Violence Against Women on 14 December in Melbourne. The audience is primarily local government people (both elected representatives and officers), key community partners and government representatives. This half-day event (including lunch) is offered by the MAV at no charge. Registrations are required by COB today, 5 December, and you can find more information and register online.

28 November 2011

2011-11-28T14:29:00.005+11:00

VLGA President’s Message
As members know, the VLGA has provided a good deal of comment on the issue of a directly elected mayor for Geelong. A week or so ago, the Victorian Government announced the details of the legislation, which includes specific powers that the directly elected mayor will have in Geelong, in particular the right to appoint Special Committee Chairs and Council representatives on other bodies. We have continued to emphasise in our media comments and our representations to the Minister that there needs to be research into the governance and other implications of a directly elected mayor model in a regional city, particularly when that mayor will have new and additional powers to other mayors. This is important so that the issue can be informed on a broader scale. The VLGA notes that the State Government will review the directly elected mayoral systems of Geelong and Melbourne after the Geelong model has been in operation for two years. We stated in our submission to the consultation that it would have been preferable for a proper inquiry to take place before the process for electing the mayor was changed, and we still hold this position. We also advocated that any decision-making process around direct election needed to include consideration of the powers of the mayor and deputy mayor, as there is no clear role statement for deputy mayors in the Local Government Act 1989. There are issues to be considered with the model of a mayor being directly elected by the public, when the deputy mayor, if council chooses to have one, is elected by their fellow councillors. A directly elected mayor will rely heavily on their fellow councillors and a deputy mayor to be able to achieve what s/he sees as their mandate. Good working relationships will be crucial. It will be instructive to learn how the directly elected mayor’s powers of appointment in Geelong will contribute or otherwise to these good relationships and good governance in general. Our primary interest is in a participatory system that will deliver good outcomes for council and the communities of Greater Geelong. We will continue to monitor the developments with interest.

That’s it from me this week. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me an email. Cheers.

Cr Samantha Dunn, President

Keeping you up to date

Green Wedge – Review of urban growth boundary anomalies outside of Growth Areas

The VLGA is aware that a number of our member local governments have requested that Planning Minister Matthew Guy provides them with an extension to the review to allow time to consult about their specific needs in Green Wedge areas. Other member councils have rejected any changes, and some have put forward what they see as ‘anomalies’. The review has been controversial and ever since the Government announced their intention to re-look at Green Wedge zones, developer interest has sparked and communities have become alarmed. With a review now pending bi-annually, there is a level of concern for VLGA members, particularly in food production areas and where land values are escalating thus potentially impacting the viability of agriculture. The uncertainty created by the review and the public debate that has ensued has been unfortunate and we are keen to discuss this with Minister Guy when we next meet with him.

John Jago Award 2011
We have a very high-standard field of entries for the 2011 John Jago Award. A short list of four entries is now being assessed to determine the 2011 winner. The short listed entries are from the Indigo Shire Council (Indigo 2030 – long term strategic vision), Alpine Shire Council (Harrietville Community Building Initiative), Baw Baw Shire Council (Baw Baw 2050 project) and Maribyrnong City Council (David House redevelopment). We face a very challenging task to pick a winner from these excellent projects. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our end of year function on 1 December where the winner will be announced.

Local government inspectorate improves information flow
The VLGA has been conveying the need to the State Government and the Municipal Inspector for more case studies and information to be provided to the sector about the rights of councillors. We are pleased to see that this is now occurring. Go online for recently updated Frequently Asked Questions; if you need to know more about your rights; and if you would like to know more about the investigation process. We still believe there is room for sharing with councillors the issues and outcomes of particular investigations and that this would support good governance and transparency. While we congratulate the Inspectorate for improving information flow, we will continue to lobby the State Government for more training and other support to councillors.

Local government first: Frankston City Council measures community greenhouse gas emissions

Local governments, as opposed to other levels of government, are at the forefront of taking mitigation and adaptation measures in response to climate change. The VLGA often highlights good practice by our local government members, and the work that Frankston has done is one such example. The purpose of this project was to establish a methodology for measuring annual community greenhouse gas emissions based on localised data at the city-wide and suburb level. Frankston has been involved in an innovative project to measure Frankston City's community greenhouse gas emissions – as they accept that they can't manage what they don't measure. Whilst emissions are measured at national and state levels, there has been no reliable way to measure emissions on a local level. Frankston, with consultant Renewable Future, has successfully developed 'Measure it, Manage it' – a new methodology that has tracked Frankston City's community greenhouse gas emissions for 2005 and 2009. In demonstrating the feasibility of measuring greenhouse gases on a local level, this project will be used to build Council support for tailored localised behaviour change programs. Click here to view the Report, which is a first for local government.

Annual Reporting – the new (Knox) way
In another achievement for a VLGA member local government, we extend our hearty congratulations to the City of Knox for their innovative new Annual Report. It’s worth noting that the video format Annual Report was produced entirely in-house using Council staff, and Knox councillors are very proud of the innovation and expertise of the staff team in conceiving and producing the report. In our view, the Knox Annual Report is contemporary, accessible, and really well put together. It’s as easy as clicking here! There are even handy transcripts right throughout for anyone having trouble viewing the video links. Or check out the videos directly on Youtube and ‘like’ what you see.

White Ribbon Day
Last Friday saw the celebration of White Ribbon Day, held to promote the campaign to prevent violence against women. It also marked the beginning of the VLGA’s ‘16 Days of Action’ on our website at www.vlga.org.au, which will run until International Human Rights Day on 10 December. If you’d like to join us for our International Human Rights Day Morning Tea on 8 December with a focus on women, see the details in VLGA events below. We encourage you to have a look at the simple actions you can take as part of our ‘16 Days of Action’, with new actions loaded each day.

Implications of Carbon Pricing for Waste Management in Metropolitan Melbourne

Waste management has both negative and positive greenhouse impacts. The Federal Government’s moves to put a dollar price on some of these carbon impacts will affect the costs of waste management. The Metropolitan Waste Management Group has developed a simple information sheet that summarises the ways that carbon pricing are likely to affect waste management in metropolitan Melbourne. It addresses the carbon pricing mechanism, the carbon farming initiative, materials and energy recovery, and what local government waste managers can do.

Green Wedge paper open for discussion
The Westernport Green Wedge Discussion Paper public exhibition period is open for submissions until 5pm on 2 December. The paper outlines the management plan of the Victorian State Government in partnership with City of Casey and Cardinia Shire Council. The plan aims to deliver a long-term vision for land use in the green wedge. Visit http://caseyconversations.com.au or Cardinia www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/greenwedges.
For more information contact Lisa Brassington (Cardinia) 1300 787 624 or email Cardinia, or Paul Laughton (Casey) 9705 5200 or email Casey.

Media coverage for ‘Think women for local government 2012’
The VLGA’s Think women for local government 2012 project continues to receive local media coverage in the Hobsons Bay Leader, as well as the Bendigo Advertiser. It is wonderful to see local governments taking up the challenge to promote the project, and if you need more information to do this, download a sample media release, or visit the Think women website or the Facebook page for plenty of resources, including the update of A Gender Agenda which contains lots of tips about campaigning. This resource is also highly relevant to men.

Have your say: new research to look at the experiences of students with disability in Victorian schools

For the first time in many decades, this issue received a great deal of attention in the lead up to the last State Election. The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) is conducting research into the experiences of students with disability in Victorian schools. This follows an increase in complaints to the Commission relating to disability discrimination in education, and concerns raised by parents of children with disability, disability advocacy groups and members of the Commission’s Disability Reference Group about the provision of education services to students with disability. The purpose of the Commission’s research is to gather information about the issues and challenges experienced by students with disability in the Victorian school system and to identify potential solutions, consistent with Victoria’s equal opportunity and human rights framework, to improve access to education for students with disability. VEOHRC is keen to hear from students, parents and educators about what works and what could be improved when it comes to the education of students with disability in Victoria. There are several ways you can have your say. You can complete a confidential survey if you are a student with a disability, a parent of a student with a disability, or a principal, teacher or you work in a Victorian school. The survey is anonymous – and VEOHRC does not ask for any personal or identifying information. If you work in a community organisation or otherwise provide support to families, children and young people with disability, you can tell VEOHRC your views by sending an email to research@veohrc.vic.gov.au. VEOHRC will treat this as a written submission to our research. You can also ring VEOHRC’s state-wide telephone call-in on Saturday 3 December 2011 – call 1300 292 153 or (03) 9032 3583 from 10am to 4pm. If you need an interpreter, you can call the Commission using the interpreter service on 1300 152 494 or TTY at 1300 289 621. Further information about ‘have a say’ days in regional Victoria in February 2012 will be available soon. If these options are not convenient, please feel free to tell VEOHRC your story by sending them an email to research@veohrc.vic.gov.au.

Events for your diary

VLGA events

Making human rights real – Bairnsdale
Tuesday 29 November
Learn more about human rights and how to translate them into the work of your organisation.
The Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT, the VLGA and VCOSS are hosting a series of free participatory workshops across Victoria to facilitate people's understanding of human rights and to develop a human rights approach to service delivery and policy development in locally based organisations. The workshops are funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department as part of a project to identify the importance of human rights education. The workshops are designed for both the community and local government sectors – for management, service delivery workers, board members, councillors, advocates and members of vulnerable groups – and use case studies to highlight human rights and how to support human rights for people in local communities. The next workshop will be held in Bairnsdale on Tuesday 29 November, 10am-2pm, at the Mercure Hotel, 355 Main St.

To register for the workshop, please phone Michelle at VCOSS on (03) 9654 5050 or register online. To see the workshop flyers, click on our VLGA Events Calendar. For further information, contact the VLGA’s Human Rights Policy & Project Officer, Gary Jungwirth, via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.

VLGA End-of-Year Members’ Function
Thursday 1 December, 6-8.30pm
Carlton
Members are invited to join the VLGA Board and Staff to celebrate our successes at our end-of-year drinks with local government, community and State Government colleagues. Come and hear the announcement of the winner of the 2011 John Jago Good Governance Award. Please RSVP by either registering online or phoning (03) 9349 7999.

International Human Rights Day Morning Tea
Thursday 8 December, 10-11.30am
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
The VLGA invites you to celebrate International Human Rights Day. The theme for the 2011 International Human Rights Day is ‘promoting human dignity' and 2011 also marks the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day. The VLGA Board therefore has pleasure in inviting you to mark these occasions at an informal morning tea. Our focus for this year will be on the progress and future of local government and community actions in:
* Preventing Violence Against Women
* Promoting participation of women in next year’s Local Government Elections, and
* The uptake of the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter.

Come along and network with colleagues, and do your bit for International Human Rights Day. Numbers are limited, so please RSVP via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.

Other events

5th ‘State of Australian Cities’ National Conference
Tuesday 29 November – Friday 2 December
University of Melbourne, Parkville
Australia’s society and economy are dominated by its cities and regions, and the future of Australia’s environment is also linked to urban sustainability. The State of Australian Cities is a national forum, held biennially, to share scholarship directed at the complex and multidimensional issues facing us as an urban nation. Australian cities are highly ranked internationally for their liveability, and have continued to grow strongly through a global financial crisis. Yet we are confronted with significant challenges. These challenges should not blind us to opportunities. For the first time in two decades, the Federal Government is talking about the need to address the infrastructure gap in cities. A growing body of urban researchers is interested in the policy implications of their work, while policy-makers are increasingly turning to the developing evidence base. Unlikely coalitions are springing up to address intertwined social, economic, environmental, governance, and infrastructure issues.

Local Government Promising Practice Forum on the Prevention of Violence Against Women
Wednesday 14 December, 12.30-5.30pm
Department of Human Services - Level 1, 50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Speaking of preventing violence against women, and acknowledging the wonderful leadership that local governments in particular have demonstrated, the MAV is holding a Local Government Promising Practice Forum on the Prevention of Violence Against Women on 14 December in Melbourne. The audience is primarily local government people (both elected representatives and officers), key community partners and government representatives. This half-day event (including lunch) is offered by the MAV at no charge. Registrations are required by 5 December, and you can find more information and register online here.

21 November 2011

2011-11-21T14:15:00.005+11:00

VLGA President’s Message
I was delighted to see so many of you at the VLGA’s inaugural Essential Councillor Retreat at Torquay. The retreat attracted a lot of interest from councillor colleagues and I know a number of you arrived the night before to have some time in each other’s company. On behalf of the VLGA Board, I thank Cr Dean Webster, Mayor of Surf Coast Shire, for the welcome to his ‘patch’ and to all of you for your participation and engagement throughout the two days. We benefitted from getting to know each other better, and from Master Classes with Joel Levin, Ed Cornelissen, and our panellists Tony De Fazio, Liana Thompson, Bill Forrest and Tony Douglas. Sessions ranged from managing community outrage, using social media more effectively, and getting your message out in a meaningful way in the last year of the council term. You also provided us with useful input for our future activities with elected representatives. With the Essential Mayors Weekend coming up in January, this has been a busy time for the VLGA team and we have enjoyed the interactions with you all.

Our other major event this past week has been the launch of the Social and Economic Impact Assessment (SEIA) Framework for EGMs last Monday. There is more news on the SEIA Framework and the launch below in this bulletin. I want to make space here to thank everyone who attended the launch and to acknowledge the work of Emma Shepherdson on this project, which has been developed by a partnership between inner and northern local governments and other stakeholder organisations with the VLGA.

In our roles as President and CEO in representing member and sectoral issues to the Government, Maree McPherson and I have been out and about in various meetings recently. These have included meetings with Minister Powell, with another in the next fortnight; Richard Wynne, Shadow Minister for Local Government; advisers to Ministers Smith and McIntosh; and meetings coming up with Minister Guy and with his Shadow, Brian Tee. If you have items you would like us to include on our agendas for these discussions please let me know. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President

Keeping you up to date

IBAC & Municipal Inspectorate
The VLGA has been watching with interest the progress towards an Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC). We have recently received correspondence from the Minister responsible for the establishment of the Commission, The Hon Andrew McIntosh MP, advising that legislation for the IBAC and an independent Victorian Inspectorate has been introduced to the Victorian Parliament. The Independent Board-based Anti-corruption Commission Bill 2011 (the IBAC Bill) establishes the Commission and the position of the Commissioner as an independent officer of Parliament. The IBAC Bill also outlines the education and prevention functions to be undertaken by the IBAC, establishes the parliamentary committee overseeing the IBAC’s role and functions, and sets the reporting mechanism to Parliament. $170 million over four years has been allocated for the establishment of the IBAC. Most importantly from the VLGA’s perspective, the Victorian Inspectorate Bill 2011 establishes the body that will oversee the IBAC, monitor its compliance with relevant laws and deal with complaints against the IBAC and its personnel in exercising their powers and duties, to ensure they are used responsibly and proportionately. We have raised several key items with the Minister’s office namely:
* the definition of corruption and whether the IBAC will share similar definitions to anti-corruption bodies in other states;
* whether the Commission’s investigations will be retrospective or prospective; and
* the relationship of the Local Government Inspectorate to the IBAC and the referral mechanisms that will exist between the two bodies.

It is understood the Local Government Inspectorate will continue to have a role in dealing with reported breaches under the Local Government Act and the IBAC will deal with issues of corruption. We are keen to continue our advocacy for clarity, transparency and fairness in all processes, including about the legal supports, resources and advice available to councillors. We will continue to monitor this development and report back to you.

Launch of ‘Social Impacts of Pokies.org.au’
On Monday 14 November, socialimpactsofpokies.org.au was officially launched by VLGA President, Cr Samantha Dunn. This Social and Economic Impact Assessment Framework for EGMs is an online evidence base and data book for Victorian local government staff, community members and applicants to build their own social impact assessments. The launch was used as a professional development session for local government and community staff. Presentations from John Rantino, Partner at Maddocks; and Felicity Leahy, Manager Social Development at Hume, discussed the role of social impact assessments in gaming cases, with case studies. Emma Shepherdson and Susan Rennie presented on the use of the Framework on behalf of the Inner Northern Working Group on Gambling. The Framework was developed by the Inner Northern Working Group on Gambling, a partnership including representatives from the local governments of Darebin, Hume, Melbourne, Moreland, Whittlesea and Yarra; the PCPs of North East, Inner North West and Hume Whittlesea; and the Responsible Gambling Advocacy Centre. You can watch the podcast of the presentations on the website.

End-of-Year Function & 2012 John Jago Good Governance Award
Don’t forget to RSVP for our end-of-year function taking place on Thursday 1 December from 6pm. We hope you can join the Board and Staff to celebrate our successes at our end-of-year drinks with local government, community and State Government colleagues. Come and hear the announcement of the winner of the 2011 John Jago Good Governance Award. Please RSVP by Monday 28 November online or phone (03) 9349 7999.

Grants available for National Youth Week 2012 events
The Victorian Government has opened the doors for young people to apply for grants to help celebrate next year’s National Youth Week, held from 13-22 April 2012. Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said the National Youth Week 2012 grants, available for young people aged 12-25 years old, would help young people plan and stage workshops, events or local projects for youth. “Young people make significant contributions to their communities each day and we support their efforts to create opportunities for other young people to enjoy National Youth Week,” Mr Smith said. Mr Smith added that the $155,000 grants program has been made available through a partnership between the Victorian Government, Commonwealth Government and Youthbeyondblue. Mr Smith said grants of up to $2,000 were available in two categories:
* Grants for young people working with an organisation to deliver a local community-based event, and
* Grants for young people working with an organisation to deliver an event that raises awareness of depression and anxiety

Applications for National Youth Week 2012 grants close on Friday 9 December 2011. For further information on the grants program visit www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/nyw.

Local Government Promising Practice Forum on the Prevention of Violence Against Women

The MAV is holding a Local Government Promising Practice Forum on the Prevention of Violence Against Women on 14 December in Melbourne. The audience is primarily local government people (both elected representatives and officers), key community partners and government representatives. This half-day event (including lunch) is offered by the MAV at no charge. Registrations are required by 5 December, and you can find more information and register online here.

A plan for a revitalised Broadmeadows
Residents, community groups, businesses and other stakeholders are invited to have their say on the future of Broadmeadows. Broadmeadows is set to become Melbourne’s capital of the north. It will accommodate new housing, transport and a mix of retail, leisure and learning facilities. It will become a vibrant hub attracting people, businesses and employment. The Victorian Government and Hume City Council have a 20-year plan to sustainably manage growth and change in Broadmeadows Activities Area. The draft Structure Plan sets out the long-term vision for Broadmeadows. It identifies potential land uses, building size and design, and defines precincts for particular use and development. For more information and to find out about the ways you can get involved, go to the Broadmeadows Structure Plan Website.

Events for your diary

VLGA events

Making human rights real – Ballarat & Bairnsdale workshops
Ballarat – Tuesday 22 November
Bairnsdale – Tuesday 29 November

Learn more about human rights and how to translate them into the work of your organisation.

Climate Justice Roundtable – What does the ‘climate-just’ Australian city look like?

* Michael Williamson, Sustainability Victoria: Distributed generation – the next frontier for energy
* John Edgoose, Sustainability Victoria: Distributed Generation Connection Guide – Sustainability Victoria's new guide for linking into the electricity network
* Joe Thomas, Powercor Australia: How the distribution business looks at distributed energy
* Rick Kwasek, Boroondara City Council: Ashburton Smart Energy Zone – implementing a shared cogen energy system

RSVP by 5pm Tuesday 22 November by email to Nick Bailey or phone (03) 8626 8824.

5th ‘State of Australian Cities’ National Conference
Tuesday 29 November – Friday 2 December
University of Melbourne, Parkville
Australia’s society and economy are dominated by its cities and regions, and the future of Australia’s environment is also linked to urban sustainability. The State of Australian Cities is a national forum, held biennially, to share scholarship directed at the complex and multidimensional issues facing us as an urban nation. Australian cities are highly ranked internationally for their liveability, and have continued to grow strongly through a global financial crisis. Yet we are confronted with significant challenges. These challenges should not blind us to opportunities. For the first time in two decades, the Federal Government is talking about the need to address the infrastructure gap in cities. A growing body of urban researchers is interested in the policy implications of their work, while policy-makers are increasingly turning to the developing evidence base. Unlikely coalitions are springing up to address intertwined social, economic, environmental, governance, and infrastructure issues.

14 November 2011

2011-11-14T15:39:00.004+11:00

VLGA President’s Message
What a wonderful time we all enjoyed last Wednesday night, at the ‘Celebrate and Challenge’ event, hosted by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Susan Riley at the Melbourne Town Hall. Mayors, councillors, partners in the Women’s Participation in Local Government Coalition, representatives of government agencies and community groups, and citizens from across Victoria celebrated the endorsement by over 60 Victorian councils of the Local Government Women’s Charter and its principles of gender equity, diversity and active citizenship. Attended by more than 100 guests we also launched successful council models for implementing the Charter’s principles; the fourth edition of the highly successful candidate’s kit, A Gender Agenda, and a new campaign to boost women candidates in the 2012 elections – the VLGA’s ‘Think women for local government 2012’ project. It was wonderful to hear messages of support from Ministers Powell and Wooldridge on the night. Thanks also to Crs Cathy Oke, Jennifer Kanis, Jackie Watts and Brian Shanahan for their involvement in the event and special thanks to Lord Mayor Robert Doyle for dropping in to make us so welcome. I am especially pleased that everyone made it home safely afterwards, given the flood alerts and storm damage, including those of you who had travelled far to be there.

As part of the ‘Think women’ project, on Saturday just gone, Minister Powell opened a forum for the ALGWA Vic North East branch, encouraging women candidates for the local government elections in 2012. I acknowledge the support of ALGWA Vic, and the North East branch, in particular Strathbogie Shire Council, for driving this initiative – the first of our regional forums for the project.

I very much look forward to seeing many of you later this week at the VLGA’s inaugural Essential Councillor Retreat at Torquay. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email. Cheers.

Cr Samantha Dunn, President

Keeping you up to date

Draft plans for Melbourne’s growth unveiled
The Growth Areas Authority has released the draft Growth Corridor Plans and is inviting public comment until Tuesday 20 December. New housing, town centres, rail stations and jobs have been unveiled in a draft plan for Melbourne's growth suburbs over the next 30 years. The plan, released by the Victorian Government last Wednesday, guides growth in urban areas as Melbourne copes with an anticipated increase of two million people over the next 30 to 40 years. According to an article in the Sydney Morning Herald, Planning Minister Matthew Guy says the growth corridors and the development within them represent the largest current construction project in Australia. Fifty-thousand new housing lots will be released by March 2012, and jobs and activity centres will also be created in outer urban areas along with investigations into new rail lines to Avalon and Melbourne airports. At first glance, this looks like a refreshingly different approach on the surface to getting infrastructure developed early. However, we remain concerned that the required planning, investment and government funding need to be aligned to achieve this outcome. The VLGA is very keen to hear members’ views so please let us know your thoughts on the draft.

Exciting first year for Responsible Gambling Advocacy Centre (RGAC)
The VLGA encourages members and colleagues to take a look at the RGAC’s first Annual Report. We agree with RGAC Chair Fiona McLeod that it has been an outstanding first year, and that, as Fiona says in the Annual Report, “The organisation has met its mandate of adding value to existing knowledge for all stakeholders in the gambling sector, providing a consumer voice, engaging with local government and the community at large, and keeping the Minister informed in relation to gambling issues.” Highlights include the launch of RGAC’s website (which the VLGA regularly refers local government staff and community members to for up-to-date resources and links), formal participation in the 2011 Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, the production of a variety of publications that have attracted high levels of use, and the development of RGAC’s ongoing discussion series program. We congratulate the RGAC Board, CEO Penny Wilson and staff for their work.

Human Rights Oration 2011 – The Big Picture
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission is pleased to invite you to this year’s Human Rights Oration. Keynote speaker Bernard Salt is best known for his media commentary on the business implications of demographic and social change. He will blend humour and substance to paint the big picture: How will demographic change shape our community, and what has human rights got to do with it? The oration will be held on Tuesday 13 December, 12.30-1.30pm, at Zinc in Federation Square. This is a free and accessible public event, but registrations are required. RSVP by Wednesday 7 December to (03) 9032 3448 or email. Visit the Human Rights Commission website for more details and to register.

Thriving Neighbourhoods conference papers now available – Capturing the returns from liveable, sustainable communities

Thriving Neighbourhoods showed how emerging techniques for the planning, design and management of communities could radically improve health, social engagement, environmental conservation and productivity in communities. Go online to see the conference report and conference papers.

IAP2 Australasia News
This week IAP2 Australasia has published its training calendar for 2012. This year IAP2 has added two new courses to their training calendar: Building an Engaging Organisation focuses on how to build an organisation with engagement at the heart of how it does business. The course is designed specifically for senior practitioners and managers responsible for the community engagement/public participation function in an organisation; Cred! is a new active, practical professional development program that develops your confidence to build strong relationships and personal and professional credibility in your organisation. It is designed for engagement practitioners who want to build respected, influential, credible and valued relationships with key decision makers and leaders in their organisation.

Baillieu Government supports schools to teach second languages
Last week the Victorian Government announced that state schools that do not currently teach a second language will be eligible for $1 million in grants next year to implement second language programs. Wesa Chau, the 2010 Young Victorian of the Year and Deputy President for the Chinese Community Council of Australia (Victoria Chapter), has welcomed the news that the Government will make learning a second language compulsory in prep from 2015.

Statistics from the Victorian Government have revealed there has been a 30 per cent drop in the number of state primary schools teaching a second language over the past decade. The Government has yet to deliver on an election commitment to providing stronger support to community language schools by increasing per student funding from $120 to $190 per year in the Government’s first term.

Yarra Ranges supports the East Africa Appeal – will you?
At its meeting on 8 November, Yarra Ranges resolved to make a donation of $10,000 to the East Africa Appeal and to contact as a matter of urgency all other 78 local government municipalities in Victoria to challenge them to match or improve on this contribution. The crisis unfolding for millions of children and their families in East Africa is the result of years of drought, impacts of climate change and the high price of food and fuel, compounded by exclusion and poverty. Across Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti 13.3 million people, equivalent to two-thirds of the population of Australia, are affected by this devastating crisis, including over 4.14 million children, 1.6 million of whom are under 5 years old. This humanitarian crisis is the result of ongoing conflict and the worst drought in 60 years across the East and Horn of Africa. The UN declared famine in parts of Somalia in September. Hundreds of thousands of starving and malnourished refugees are seeking assistance in aid camps and an estimated 30,000 children have died in Somalia this year from malnutrition. The Australian Federal Government has announced it will match all donations made to the East Africa Appeal by 30 November 2011, on a dollar for dollar basis. Examples of the impact that a donation can have are outlined below:
* $20 will provide a clean water kit – soap, bucket, and water purification tablets for a family of five for one month
* $40 will provide clean water for 175 people for a day
* $75 will feed a family of six for two weeks
* $150 will provide high calorie food for 300 children suffering from severe malnutrition
* $250 will provide a health kit for a clinic to support 150 people for three months
Donations can be made here.

National Rural Women’s Coalition (NRWC) Survey
The NRWC, in conjunction with the Australian Women Against Violence Alliance (AWAVA) and the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research (CDFVR) at CQ University, is developing a toolkit of materials to support women in their local communities in implementing the Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children. They require accurate input from those who already work in the field to ensure that the toolkit developed is complementary to existing resources and that there is no unnecessary duplication. If you have been using a wonderful resource, the NRWC would like to hear about it. If you think there is a gap in resources, let them know, and they can include it in their planning for the toolkit. Click here to take the survey. If you would like to receive ongoing updates on the progress of this project, please contact Sandra Stoddart, Executive Officer, National Rural Women's Coalition and Network via email.

Events for your diary

VLGA events

Making human rights real – Melbourne, Ballarat & Hume workshops
Wednesday 16 November (Melbourne CBD)
Friday 18 November (Hume)
Tuesday 22 November (Ballarat)
Learn more about human rights and how to translate them into the work of your organisation.
The Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT, the VLGA and VCOSS are hosting a series of free participatory workshops across Victoria to facilitate people's understanding of human rights and to develop a human rights approach to service delivery and policy development in locally based organisations. The workshops are funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department as part of a project to identify the importance of human rights education. The workshops are designed for both the community and local government sectors – for management, service delivery workers, board members, councillors, advocates and members of vulnerable groups – and use case studies to highlight human rights and how to support human rights for people in local communities. The next workshops will be held in:
Melbourne CBD: Wednesday 16 November, 10am-2pm; RMIT University, Melbourne (corner Russell & Victoria Streets, Building 13, Level 3, Room 07)
Hume: Friday 18 November, 10am-1pm; Hume Global Learning Centre Council Chamber, 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows
Ballarat: Tuesday 22 November, 10am-1pm; Ballarat Town Hall – Trench Room, Sturt St, Ballarat

To register for the workshops, please phone Michelle at VCOSS on (03) 9654 5050 or register online for the workshop closest to you. To see the workshop flyers, click on our VLGA Events Calendar. For further information, contact the VLGA’s Human Rights Policy & Project Officer, Gary Jungwirth, via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.

Climate Justice Roundtable – What does the ‘climate-just’ Australian city look like?

Tuesday 29 November, 9am-12.30pm
RMIT Storey Hall, Building 16, Level 7 Conference Rms 1 & 2
*Limited places*
The aim of this roundtable is to bring together a caucus of diverse members of our community to identify and advance climate justice imperatives and opportunities within the Australian city context. The emphasis is on collaborative engagement, deliberation and dialogue focused around key questions such as: What is the climate-just city? How do the practices and stories of climate justice connect people with other elements of the natural world? How does the notion of a ‘climate just’ city challenge, complement, or replace current rights and privileges? Who dominates, who benefits and who gets left behind? Please join us for this inaugural event of the Australian climate justice research network (ACJRN) jointly hosted by the VLGA, Griffith University, Curtin University, Macquarie University, Monash University and RMIT. See our website for the registration flyer.

Other events

Better Roads, Better Buses, Better Trains
Wednesday 16 November, 8.45am-1pm
Monash University Berwick Campus, Lecture Theatre G121 Building 903
100 Clyde Rd, Berwick, Melways ref. 111 C10
This forum has been organised by City of Casey on the state of the Monash Freeway and public transport in Melbourne’s south-east. For more details and to register see the Casey City Council website.

Sustainability Victoria quarterly forum – Distributed Generation
Friday 25 November, 9.30-11.30am
Sustainability Victoria
Level 28, 50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne (also via web cast)
Sustainability Victoria invites you to the latest of its quarterly forums for local government officers and managers. Distributed generation of electricity can play a key role in energy management in Victoria and provides great opportunities for local governments. Navigating the process can be difficult but there is help at hand. This forum looks at the benefits of distributed generation and will launch Sustainability Victoria's guide to getting grid connected. You will also hear how distribution businesses view distributed generation and from the project manager of a successful installation.
Presentations will include:
* Michael Williamson, Sustainability Victoria: Distributed generation – the next frontier for energy
* John Edgoose, Sustainability Victoria: Distributed Generation Connection Guide – Sustainability Victoria's new guide for linking into the electricity network
* Joe Thomas, Powercor Australia: How the distribution business looks at distributed energy
* Rick Kwasek, Boroondara City Council: Ashburton Smart Energy Zone – implementing a shared cogen energy system
RSVP by 5pm Tuesday 22 November to email Nick Bailey or phone (03) 8626 8824.

5th ‘State of Australian Cities’ National Conference
Tuesday 29 November – Friday 2 December
University of Melbourne, Parkville
Australia’s society and economy are dominated by its cities and regions, and the future of Australia’s environment is also linked to urban sustainability. The State of Australian Cities is a national forum, held biennially, to share scholarship directed at the complex and multidimensional issues facing us as an urban nation. Australian cities are highly ranked internationally for their liveability, and have continued to grow strongly through a global financial crisis. Yet we are confronted with significant challenges. These challenges should not blind us to opportunities. For the first time in two decades, the Federal Government is talking about the need to address the infrastructure gap in cities. A growing body of urban researchers is interested in the policy implications of their work, while policy-makers are increasingly turning to the developing evidence base. Unlikely coalitions are springing up to address intertwined social, economic, environmental, governance, and infrastructure issues.

7 November 2011

2011-11-07T14:14:00.014+11:00

VLGA President’s Message
Last Thursday night’s Annual General Meeting was one of the most enjoyable in recent years. As well as dealing with the usual AGM business, including the receipt of our Treasurer’s Report with a modest surplus of $72,626, and other highlights included in our 2010-2011 Annual Report, I also had the great pleasure on behalf of the Board to confer Life Membership status on Liana Thompson. VLGA Life Memberships celebrate a continuous and outstanding commitment to the VLGA, the Victorian community and local government sector. I had the opportunity to reflect on some of the historical accounts of the VLGA’s journey, including those of our Governance Patron Hayden Raysmith – ‘Remembering the past’, and Life Member Mike Hill – ‘Making the future’. When you read these historical accounts, it’s easy to be proud of all those involved with the VLGA, and to understand that the future of the VLGA is strongly shaped by values. We are a very committed bunch, and it makes me very proud to be your President. Many laughs were had and wonderful speeches of thanks were made, acknowledging Liana’s incredible commitment to the sector. Yes Liana, you may indeed be a self-described ‘local government tragic’, but we love you for it! Our guest speaker was Child Safety Commissioner Bernie Geary OAM, who reminded us that communities and local governments can ‘get involved’ with solutions to the dreadful abuse many young people experience. Bernie’s frank delivery is refreshing, and his messages to local governments and communities simple. We should not see vulnerable young people as a problem. Rather, we should invest in truly inclusive ways to support them. And this does not mean imposing ‘top-down’ solutions but ‘fair dinkum involvement’ with vulnerable young people. A truly challenging yet inspiring speech, and I encourage you to view the webcast. I hope to see many of you at our end of year function on Thursday 1 December – invites will be sent to you shortly. I look forward to seeing you around and about. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President

Keeping you up to date

ALGA finalises position on Constitutional Recognition
As previously discussed in this eNews, the campaign for constitutional recognition is being led by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), including their Victorian constituent, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV). The VLGA has determined not to duplicate this approach, but to make submissions on the basis of our knowledge of our members’ overall views and our approach to the key issues which support and build capacity for local government. Our Board has resolved to support the ALGA campaign for constitutional recognition. Key issues made by the VLGA in our submission to the Expert Panel include:
* Democratic local government should be recognised in the Australian Constitution as the third level of government in Australia; and
* This recognition should be in a way which guarantees, constitutionally, the capacity of the Australian Government to fund local governments directly when this is appropriate. We note that ALGA has now finalised its position which is stated in its submission to the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government. Notwithstanding the difficulty of achieving any change to Australia’s constitution, ALGA has based its position on extensive polling and member consultation, establishing that the majority of Australians support recognition, and figures rise significantly in relation to ALGA’s preferred position of financial recognition. The VLGA encourages all members to be aware of ALGA’s position, as we will all need to work hard to convince our communities that this change is worth supporting.

Smoke-free policies in outdoor areas: A 2011 survey of Victorian local governments
On 3 November 2011 the Heart Foundation and Quit Victoria released a report – 2011 survey of Victorian local governments following a survey undertaken earlier this year. The survey found that as of May 2011, 32 local governments (41 per cent) had smoke-free policies in some outdoor areas. Of the 79 local governments in Victoria:
* Nineteen local governments (24 per cent) had policies that cover entrances of council owned buildings
* Seventeen local governments (22 per cent) had smoke-free swimming pools * Six local governments (8 per cent) had smoke-free playgrounds.
* Two local governments had smoke-free beaches.
The Heart Foundation and Quit Victoria have developed a resource kit to assist local governments adopt smoke-free policies in outdoor areas. You can download the resource kit here. For more information on smoke-free outdoor areas please contact Kate Bolaffi, Policy and Project Officer at the Heart Foundation on (03) 9321 1508 or via email.

Participation: The Happiness Connection
IAP2 have alerted us to the release of the online Journal of Public Deliberation which is hot off the press. The journal contains an article by Brian Martin and Chris Barker called Participation: The Happiness Connection which you can access here. Here’s an excerpt of the article which is definitely worth a read: ‘participation in decision-making has the potential to contribute to greater happiness. To explore this connection, we examine three areas: the family, the workplace and politics. In each of these areas, happiness research suggests that greater participation should increase happiness, most directly via the channels of personal relationships and helping others. There is some empirical research suggesting that participation contributes to happiness. It is useful to consider the connections between the three areas. In particular, examination of participation-happiness connections within families and workplaces can provide some insights for promoting a stronger connection at the level of politics’.

Exclusive Urban Climate Justice Research Network (UCJRN) Roundtable
What does the ‘climate-just’ Australian city look like? Please join us in Melbourne for this inaugural and exclusive event of the Urban climate justice research network (UCJRN) jointly hosted by the VLGA, Griffith University, Curtin University, Macquarie University, Monash University and RMIT. The roundtable will be held on Tuesday November 29 from 9am-12.30pm and will be held at RMIT Storey Hall, Building 16, Level 7 Conference Rooms 1 & 2 (342 Swanston Street, Melbourne). Numbers are limited to 60, so to register your interest in being part of the network and/or to RSVP attendance to the Melbourne roundtable please email the VLGA via email or call (03) 9349 7999 by close of business Thursday November 24, 2011. The aim of this roundtable is to bring together a caucus of diverse members of our community to identify and advance climate justice imperatives and opportunities within the Australian city context. The emphasis is on collaborative engagement, deliberation and dialogue focused around key questions such as - what is the climate-just city? How do the practices and stories of climate justice connect people with other elements of the natural world? How does the notion of a ‘climate just’ city challenge, complement, or replace current rights and privileges? Who dominates, who benefits and who gets left behind? The key objectives of the roundtable are to:
* Identify key issues and opportunities for achieving the climate-just Australian city
* Better understand how different groups (e.g. policy and decision makers, advocacy and service practitioners, and communities) imagine, conceptualise and practice climate justice at various scales; and
* Advance (with a view to applying) innovative/creative methods for putting climate justice issues into urban policy practice within the context of Australian cities

Exciting new training opportunity from ECO-Buy in partnership with Social Traders - Social Procurement masterclass
Social procurement is key in the development of social enterprise as it recognises and places value on the benefits that social enterprises provide. In so doing it increases the amount of work available to social enterprises. This masterclass on Monday 17 November 2011, 9am-4pm will be presented by Mark Daniels of Social Traders. For more details and to register your place, please use this link. Members of ECO-Buy are entitled to a discount on this full day course. Details are on the registration form. Prompt registration will be appreciated on behalf of the facilitators.

On the edge: peri-urban food production
It’s not often we publish poems in this eNews but we thought we would make an exception for a very important topic – the survival (or otherwise) of peri-urban farming land to ensure that Victoria’s food supply is protected. These issues (including food security) were recently discussed at a forum run by Village Well, called ‘On The Edge: a forum on sustainability around Australian Cities’. You can view the presentations here. The following poem was read out by Gillian Stewart, the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Rural Business Officer.

A Peri-Urban Space – for all and one to grace!!
On the edge of the big cities but before the bush does start
Lies a very important region that separates the two apart
It is known as peri urban, where a lot is going on
More than most imagine in this divide amongst the throng
Peri urban must you ask, what on earth does all that mean?
Well if you’ve got some interest I can set for you the scene
It takes no time to travel down the freeway with much ease
To open, green, wide paddocks scattered all amongst the trees
To look a little closer though one clearly can observe
Paddocks full of ripening produce up against a road reserve
For the space is quite restricted, with high demand to fill the gaps
With houses, sheds and buildings and put new suburbs on the maps
A peri-urban paradise that is what you all can see
The ocean, hills and shopping all in close proximity
There’s food ‘n’ fun and fabulous adventures near and far
All within a driving distance from the city in a car
They come in droves; they move their gear a tree change does belie
Whilst working up the city on the freeway they do fly
And others are so lucky for they live and work and play
Each day in peri urban mode, there is no other way
But we cannot take for granted that all will be OK
For life is ever changing much to ones dismay
Demand for land so precious it is a matter of such course
And we need to make so sure we protect our main resource
So bear a thought please can you so for the soils and the water
For we need to value what we have we really really oughta
The birds, the trees, the landscape are the assets to behold
We sit on what could be so termed our rich but natural gold
For these regions they are fragile and we must take the best of care
To ensure they are protected and enhance their natural flair
They are deemed for all and sundry, the landscape and the hedges
Known so far and wide as the city’s critical green wedges
So pause a moment, take a breath and scan the view around
And help your peri-urban region stand its fragile ground

National Food Plan Update and Perth Declaration on Food Security
Speaking of food security, on Thursday 27 October, Senator Joe Ludwig, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, announced the next steps in developing the National Food Plan at a Rural Press Club event in Melbourne. As outlined by the Heart Foundation in a bulletin sent out late last week, the key announcements were:
* There will be a 2-stage process for development of the National Food Plan. A green paper will be released for public consultation, outlining the objectives for the National Food Plan and potential policy changes (no indication yet of when the green paper will be released). Following consultation, the National Food Plan will be released as a white paper
* The objectives for the National Food Plan have been finalised and are documented in the Minister’s media release:
o Identifying and mitigating potential risks to Australia’s food security
o Contributing to global food security
o Reducing barriers to a safe and nutritious food supply that responds to the evolving preferences and needs of all Australians and supports population health
o Supporting the long-term economic, environmental and social sustainability of Australia’s food supply chain
o Supporting the global competitiveness and productivity growth of the food supply chain, including through research, science and innovation
o Reducing barriers faced by food businesses to access international; and domestic markets
o Contributing to economic prosperity, employment and community wellbeing in regional Australia

The Minister’s speech at the Rural Press Club picked up on a number of points raised in submissions to the National Food Plan issues paper. Most submissions to the National Food Plan including the VLGA National Food Plan Submission are now available on the website. Information is now also available on the National Food Plan website about the Roundtables that were held in August and September. Also, over the weekend, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth agreed a set of principles for addressing food security, known as the Perth Declaration on Food Security. This is what Julia Gillard had to say about the Declaration at her press conference:
“We also recognised that food security is one of the most difficult and pressing challenges facing the world. Half the world's one billion hungry are in the Commonwealth and we've all seen incredibly distressing humanitarian situations in the Horn of Africa and that crisis in the Horn of Africa highlights the challenge. Leaders noted that population growth and scarce land and water are intensifying pressures on food security. The challenge is simply huge. Global production will need to increase by 70 per cent by 2050 to feed an expected global population of 9.3 billion people. Leaders agreed to the Perth Declaration on food security, setting out principles that should guide us as we grapple with this challenge. The declaration commits us to the importance of reducing barriers to trade in agriculture, improving agricultural productivity and making it easier for farmers in developing countries to grow food and to get it to markets. That is, it addressed food security both in the sense of immediate issues of aid, but also in the sense of improving capacity for food security through agricultural research, lifting productivity and through the better functioning of markets”

Social connection program for problem gamblers: can you help?
Contemporary research is showing that problem gamblers are more likely to be isolated from family, friends and other social and support networks. Some local governments are already acting on this research by running ‘social connection projects’. Moreland’s ‘MoreConnect Project’ builds on the (Re)Making Meaning Project model, which was a highly successful and well-evaluated pilot project funded by the Department of Justice last year, and run as a partnership project by Chrysalis Insight Inc, Gamblers Help Eastern & the VLGA. ‘MoreConnect’ builds the social confidence of former problem gamblers to use alternative entertainment in and around Moreland. It is the first of its kind being run at a local government level, made possible by the revenue raised by a differential rate on gaming venues. This project does not focus on gambling problems, but rather on re-finding meaning and joy in life after gambling. It links people in with activities, non-gaming entertainment and programs already running in Moreland at low or no cost (many of them local government programs). It promotes local non-gaming businesses in Moreland. The active part of the project starts next weekend, with a weekend 'join-up' experience for all participants and volunteers. The subsequent 7 months will see participants and the support volunteers take part in regular get-togethers which will be a mixture of educational, mentoring and social opportunities. If you know of participants who could benefit from this program, or you would like to volunteer, there are still 7 participant places and 4 volunteer places to fill. If you can help in anyway please call Gabriela Byrne on 0408 707 871.

Events for your diary

VLGA events Essential Councillor Retreat: making the 4th year count!
Friday 18 – Saturday 19 November
Peppers The Sands Resort Torquay
It’s not too late to register for the Essential Councillor Retreat will feature a number of expert-led practical workshops and networking opportunities pertinent to how councillors approach the 4th year of the council term. There will be a focus on: identifying and addressing public emotion and outrage; engaging effectively with local communities; taking stock and leaving a legacy; governing in the final year of council’s term; and ‘beyond Facebook and Twitter: communicating in ways that suit community needs’. You can download the program and registration form from our website.

Making human rights real – Warrnambool, Melbourne and Ballarat workshops
Tuesday 8 November (Warrnambool)
Wednesday 16 November (Melbourne CBD)
Friday 18 November (Broadmeadows) Tuesday 22 November (Ballarat)
Learn more about human rights and how to translate them into the work of your organisation. The Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT, the VLGA and VCOSS are hosting a series of free participatory workshops across Victoria to facilitate people's understanding of human rights and to develop a human rights approach to service delivery and policy development in locally based organisations. The workshops are funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department as part of a project to identify the importance of human rights education. The workshops are designed for both the community and local government sectors – for management, service delivery workers, board members, councillors, advocates and members of vulnerable groups – and use case studies to highlight human rights and how to support human rights for people in local communities. The next workshops will be held in:
* Warrnambool: Tuesday 8 November, 10am-1pm; South West TAFE, Timor St, Warrnambool (OEA Conference and Events Centre Building B, Level 3, WB3.28)
* Melbourne CBD: Wednesday 16 November, 10am-2pm; RMI T University, Melbourne (corner Russell & Victoria Streets, Building 13, Level 3, Room 07)
* Broadmeadows: Friday 18 November, 10am-1pm; Hume Global Learning Centre Council Chamber, 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows
* Ballarat: Tuesday 22 November, 10am-1pm; Ballarat Town Hall – Trench Room, Sturt St, Ballarat

To register for the workshops, please phone Michelle at VCOSS on (03) 9654 5050 or register online for the workshop closest to you. To see the workshop flyers, click on our VLGA Events Calendar. For further information, contact the VLGA’s Human Rights Policy & Project Officer, Gary Jungwirth, via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.

Other events

North East Branch ALGWA ‘Think women for local government 2012’ Forum
Saturday 12 November, 1-4pm
Strathbogie Shire Civic Centre, Bury Street, Euroa
To be opened by Hon Jeanette Powell MP, this forum will share information and support the North East Local Government Women’s Association in encouraging women candidates for the local government elections in 2012. Enquiries and RSVP to Cr Marg Attley, North East ALGWA President, on 0400 256 035 or via email; or to Cr Colleen Furlanetto, North East ALGWA (Interim) Secretary, on 0427 537 522 or via email.

Community power conference: Australian communities taking charge of their energy use
Monday 14 – Tuesday 15 November
Capital Theatre, View Street, Bendigo
Are you looking for practical, achievable ways to reduce the impact of electricity price rises in your community? This conference aims to showcase how regional Australian communities are developing innovative energy projects; helping to reduce local economic shocks; and can take practical action to hedge against rising energy prices. The Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities, in its third biennial conference on renewable energy, is partnering with the Central Victoria Solar City project, part of the Australian Government’s Solar Cities program, and the City of Greater Bendigo, to deliver an exciting exploration of current energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies and actions being taken by Australian communities. For more information and to register, go here.

9th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
Tuesday 15 – Wednesday 16 November
Melbourne
As an endorsing partner, the VLGA has secured a massive 50% discount for our members to this conference. With a strong focus on issues relevant to local governments, guest presenters include Ballarat and Melbourne CEOs Anthony Schinck and Dr Kathy Alexander. There are three easy ways for VLGA members to register: on the internet; by telephone (02) 9080 4307; or via email. Make sure you quote the following exclusive VLGA event code: P11M41 with your booking. For more information and to see the program, go here. To stay connected to this conference, follow it on LinkedIn, Twitter (#victransport), the Informa blog, or Youtube.

Deadly In Gippsland Conference
Thursday 17 – Friday 18 November
Sale
Brought to you by the Sale Local Indigenous Network and Wellington Shire, the program has a mix of whole of conference and breakout sessions. You will be able to choose from an excellent range of speakers, primarily showcasing Gippsland initiatives and partnerships, for the conference topic areas of:
* Sustainable Futures: learning and employment (including training, mentoring initiatives)
* Walking Together: promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
* Health and Well-being

The conference aims to:
* Strengthen partnerships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, organisations and communities
* Promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent and showcase regional initiatives
* Highlight the ‘deadly’ work being done by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their communities

The Conference registration deadline has been extended to Monday 7 November. Go here to register your place at Deadly in Gippsland, and see the Program here.

5th ‘State of Australian Cities’ National Conference
Tuesday 29 November – Friday 2 December
University of Melbourne, Parkville
Australia’s society and economy are dominated by its cities and regions, and the future of Australia’s environment is also linked to urban sustainability. The State of Australian Cities Conference is a national forum, held biennially, to share scholarship directed at the complex and multidimensional issues facing us as an urban nation. Australian cities are highly ranked internationally for their liveability, and have continued to grow strongly through a global financial crisis. Yet we are confronted with significant challenges. These challenges should not blind us to opportunities. For the first time in two decades, the Federal Government is talking about the need to address the infrastructure gap in cities. A growing body of urban researchers is interested in the policy implications of their work, while policy-makers are increasingly turning to the developing evidence base. Unlikely coalitions are springing up to address intertwined social, economic, environmental, governance, and infrastructure issues.

Local government promising practice forum – preventing violence against women
Wednesday 14 December, 12.30-5.00pm
Department of Human Services, 1st Floor, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
The MAV’s Local Government and Community Partnerships Program – preventing Violence Against Women will hold this forum as part of their process of developing a PVAW Leadership Statement. For more information and to register, contact Project Coordinator Sophie Gale via email or (03) 9667 5555.

31 October 2011

2011-10-31T13:25:00.007+11:00

VLGA President’s Message
I am pleased to report that at the close of the first stage expressions of interest last Friday, we have a fantastic range of nominations for the VLGA’s 2011 John Jago Good Governance Award. The winner of this year’s award will be announced at our end of year function on the evening of Thursday 1 December. Pencil this date into your diaries. Our Annual General Meeting is this Thursday night, and I invite you to come and hear our guest speaker, Victorian Child Safety Commissioner, Mr Bernie Geary OAM. And of course I hope you can come and celebrate the year’s achievements, and the awarding of a VLGA Life Membership to our founding member and inaugural President, Liana Thompson. Liana’s role in the governance of the VLGA, and more widely in the sector, is truly inspiring. You can RSVP for the AGM online or by calling (03) 9349 7999.

Speaking of good governance, last week’s release of the State of Australian Cities 2011 Report also saw the inclusion of an interesting chapter on Governance. Key findings of this chapter included the fact that the Productivity Commission has pointed to the need for improved governance arrangements to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness of cities; and that the governance structure of Australia’s major cities differs between States and Territories, and between capital and regional cities within them. Of particular note to local governments and communities who demand a greater say and involvement in land use planning is the observation that there is evidence to support significant integration of the different levels of major city planning, infrastructure provision and management, particularly in capital cities. As we await outcomes from the extensive consultation process into Victoria’s planning system here, the VLGA will continue to assert the need for planning to occur ‘from the inside out’ with a genuine and deliberative role for local governments and communities. We believe that this is preferable to the ‘top down’ land use planning processes we have witnessed for our cities and regions to date. I look forward to seeing you around and about. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President

Keeping you up to date

Ground-breaking housing research presented to VLGA Advisory Group
Members are invited to the next VLGA Diverse and Affordable Housing Advisory Group (DAHAG) meeting on Wednesday 9 November, 3-4.30pm at the VLGA. Included on the agenda for the DAHAG meeting will be an update on where the funding of affordable housing by the Federal and State Governments sits in the next National Affordable Housing Agreement due for negotiation in 2013. We will also hear a presentation from DAHAG member and Swinburne University researcher Dr Andrea Sharam, entitled No home at the end of the road? This ground-breaking research was commissioned by The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory in response to the growing number of women entering the welfare system late in life due to insufficient capital resources and income to provide for their retirement. The research specifically set out to test whether there was a market for a new housing product based on a land trust model in which single women over 40 years old would be willing and able to contribute at least $150,000 to the cost of development. The research found that women earning above average incomes in this cohort were rightly pessimistic about their capacity to purchase housing in the market and about their ability to accrue a sufficient nest egg for retirement – the surprise was that most of them were not saving at all. This finding is highly significant as it means that we can expect the number of single older women at risk of homelessness in their retirement to be far higher than previously forecast. The irony is that these women have considerable disposable incomes today and want to purchase housing but no one is currently willing to sell them housing. This latent equity however is an opportunity for social housing developers who are in need of capital. If you would like to attend the next DAHAG meeting – note that places are limited – please RSVP via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.

VLGA Launch of Social Impacts of Pokies
The Social and Economic Impact Assessment (SEIA) Framework for EGMs is an online data book and evidence base for preparing SEIAs for gaming applications. It has been developed by a partnership between inner and northern local governments and other stakeholder organisations. You are invited to attend the exclusive VLGA launch of the Framework on Monday 14 November from 12.30pm (lunch) for a 1pm start until 3pm at the VLGA. Presentations from John Rantino (Partner at Maddocks Lawyers) and Felicity Leahy (Manager Social Development, Hume City Council) will discuss the role of Social Impact Assessments in gaming cases, including case studies. There will also be a presentation on the use of the SEIA Framework. Places are limited – please RSVP via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.

Supporting Local Governments on Gaming Policy Project eBulletin #1
Speaking of pokies, our first Supporting Local Governments on Gaming Policy Project eBulletin was sent out late last week. These monthly eBulletins will provide a summary and update on recent VCAT and VCGR decisions, legislation and regulatory changes, upcoming events and training and local government highlights in gaming. The nine-month project has funding until the end of June 2012, due to the generous commitments from local governments for the University of Ballarat Research project. For more information on the project, contact our Local Government Gaming Policy Officer, Emma Shepherdson via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.

2012 Moira Shire Community Leadership Program
The Moira Shire Community Leadership Program is designed to develop community leaders. The program, now in its tenth year, is free for Moira Shire residents and aimed at individuals or members of community groups who wish to increase the effectiveness of their group. Modules in the program will assist participants to develop and refine their leadership skills. During the program, participants will have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of other community leaders, enabling them to identify opportunities for their community group. The participants’ main foundation for their learnings will be based around the ideas, process, procedure and execution of their chosen community project, not only gaining them valuable skills for positive leadership styles, but enhancing and strengthening personal skills and techniques. For more information and to apply, go here.

Can lawyers save the planet?
Lawyers have been called many things over the years, but ‘greenie’ generally isn’t one of them. Yet with politicians seemingly hamstrung to address environmental problems, the legal profession is fast becoming our planet’s last line of defence. Once considered comical, the concept of legal rights for nature is finally being taken seriously. Read the full article on Crikey.

Calling young people for Youth Affairs Council Youth Reference Group
Do you know of young people in your local community who would contribute to YACVic’s Youth Reference Group in 2012? Nominations will be opening soon. If you are thinking of nominating someone and would like to meet with YACVic to find out more about what they do, attend a friendly ‘meet, greet and eat’ YRG event on Thursday 10 November from 4-5.30pm at the YACVic offices in Melbourne (Level 2, 172 Flinders Street). This is a chance to meet other nominees, current members of the Reference Group and YACVic staff; find out more details of what the YRG will be focused on in 2012; and check you are ready and able to commit for the year ahead! To register to attend or to find out more contact Linda Randall via email or phone (03) 9267 3713.

Events for your diary

VLGA events

VLGA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 3 November, 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
Join us to reflect on the challenges and achievements of the last year. We will formally present our financial statements and Annual Report, and award a life membership to Liana Thompson at the AGM. Please come and celebrate this special occasion. Our guest speaker is Victorian Child Safety Commissioner, Mr Bernie Geary OAM. For more information contact the VLGA’s Member Resources Officer, Sarah Colgan, via email or on (03) 9349 7983.

Making human rights real – Warrnambool, Melbourne and Ballarat workshops
Tuesday 8 November (Warrnambool)
Wednesday 16 November (Melbourne CBD)
Tuesday 22 November (Ballarat)
Learn more about human rights and how to translate them into the work of your organisation.
The Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT, the VLGA and VCOSS are hosting a series of free participatory workshops across Victoria to facilitate people's understanding of human rights and to develop a human rights approach to service delivery and policy development in locally based organisations. The workshops are funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department as part of a project to identify the importance of human rights education. The workshops are designed for both the community and local government sectors – for management, service delivery workers, board members, councillors, advocates and members of vulnerable groups – and use case studies to highlight human rights and how to support human rights for people in local communities. The next workshops will be held in:

* Warrnambool: Tuesday 8 November, 10am-1pm; South West TAFE, Timor St, Warrnambool (OEA Conference and Events Centre Building B, Level 3, WB3.28)
* Melbourne CBD: Wednesday 16 November, 10am-2pm; RMI T University, Melbourne (corner Russell & Victoria Streets, Building 13, Level 3, Room 07)
* Ballarat: Tuesday 22 November, 10am-1pm; Ballarat Town Hall – Trench Room, Sturt St, Ballarat

To register for the workshops, please phone Michelle at VCOSS on (03) 9654 5050 or register online for the workshop closest to you. For further information, contact the VLGA’s Human Rights Policy & Project Officer, Gary Jungwirth, via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.

Essential Councillor Retreat: making the 4th year count!
Friday 18 – Saturday 19 November
Peppers The Sands Resort Torquay
The Essential Councillor Retreat will feature a number of expert-led practical workshops and networking opportunities pertinent to how councillors approach the 4th year of the council term. There will be a focus on:
* identifying and addressing public emotion and outrage;
* engaging effectively with local communities;
* taking stock and leaving a legacy;
* governing in the final year of council’s term; and
* ‘beyond Facebook and Twitter: communicating in ways that suit community needs’.

You can download the program and registration form from our website.

Other events

‘Clever Councilling’ program
Series sessions starting 11 November, full-day sessions starting 25 November
VLGA – 60 Leicester St Carlton; and Richmond Library
A new professional development program for elected representatives is now available in Victoria. The program is modified to suit participants whether experienced councillors and/or potential candidates. Topics include Personal Productivity; Personality Style; and Being Heard. Dr Louise Mahler and Performance Unlimited’s Roma O’Callaghan are facilitating a series of sessions for councillors wanting to enhance their skills and effectiveness. Early-bird bookings and rates close on 12 October; to download the registration form go here. For further information contact Roma O’Callaghan on 0400 800 060 or email.

North East Branch ALGWA ‘Think women for local government 2012’ Forum
Saturday 12 November, 1-4pm
Strathbogie Shire Civic Centre, Bury Street, Euroa
To be opened by Hon Jeanette Powell MP, this forum will share information and support the North East Local Government Women’s Association in encouraging women candidates for the local government elections in 2012. Enquiries and RSVP to Cr Marg Attley, North East ALGWA President, on 0400 256 035 or email; or to Cr Colleen Furlanetto, North East ALGWA (Interim) Secretary, on 0427 537 522 or email.

Community power conference: Australian communities taking charge of their energy use

Monday 14 – Tuesday 15 November
Capital Theatre, View Street, Bendigo
Are you looking for practical, achievable ways to reduce the impact of electricity price rises in your community? This conference aims to showcase how regional Australian communities are developing innovative energy projects; helping to reduce local economic shocks; and can take practical action to hedge against rising energy prices. The Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities, in its third biennial conference on renewable energy, is partnering with the Central Victoria Solar City project, part of the Australian Government’s Solar Cities program, and the City of Greater Bendigo, to deliver an exciting exploration of current energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies and actions being taken by Australian communities. For more information and to register, go here.

9th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
Tuesday 15 – Wednesday 16 November
Melbourne
As an endorsing partner, the VLGA has secured a massive 50% discount for our members to this conference. With a strong focus on issues relevant to local governments, guest presenters include Ballarat and Melbourne CEOs Anthony Schinck and Dr Kathy Alexander. There are three easy ways for VLGA members to register: on the internet; by telephone (02) 9080 4307; or via email. Make sure you quote the following exclusive VLGA event code: P11M41 with your booking. For more information and to see the program, go here. To stay connected to this conference, follow it on LinkedIn, Twitter (#victransport), the Informa blog, or Youtube.

5th ‘State of Australian Cities’ National Conference
Tuesday 29 November – Friday 2 December
University of Melbourne, Parkville
Australia’s society and economy are dominated by its cities and regions, and the future of Australia’s environment is also linked to urban sustainability. The State of Australian Cities Conference is a national forum, held biennially, to share scholarship directed at the complex and multidimensional issues facing us as an urban nation. Australian cities are highly ranked internationally for their liveability, and have continued to grow strongly through a global financial crisis. Yet we are confronted with significant challenges. These challenges should not blind us to opportunities. For the first time in two decades, the Federal Government is talking about the need to address the infrastructure gap in cities. A growing body of urban researchers is interested in the policy implications of their work, while policy-makers are increasingly turning to the developing evidence base. Unlikely coalitions are springing up to address intertwined social, economic, environmental, governance, and infrastructure issues.

24 October 2011

2011-10-24T13:28:00.008+11:00

VLGA President’s Message
It’s amazing to reflect on how fast this year has gone! As we all turn our minds to celebrating our achievements, I want to encourage members to attend our AGM on Thursday 3 November from 6pm. Our guest speaker, Victorian Child Safety Commissioner, Mr Bernie Geary OAM, is widely known and respected for his 30-plus years of working with vulnerable children, young people and their families. This includes being Victoria’s first outreach youth worker and serving on the Victorian Youth Parole Board for 17 years. Since his appointment, Bernie has been busy consulting with the community, promoting child safety, developing key policy initiatives and initiating projects that focus on the best interests of children. As well as a great guest speaker, I am pleased to announce that the AGM will include the awarding of a Life Membership to Liana Thompson. Please come and celebrate this special occasion. Liana has a long history in public office, and has made an outstanding contribution to local government. As well as being a founding member and the Inaugural President of the VLGA, Liana was the last Mayor of the City of Port Melbourne, and the first Mayor of the City of Port Phillip. Liana has held several senior positions as a local government officer, across a diverse range of areas including governance, strategic planning and procurement. Liana’s passion for local government is underpinned by her conviction that it is where true participative democracy happens. Her contribution is recognised in the Who's Who of Australian Women. You can RSVP for the AGM online or by calling (03) 9349 7999. I look forward to seeing you around and about. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email. Cheers.

Cr Samantha Dunn, President

Keeping you up to date

John Jago Good Governance Award 2011 – applications close Friday 28 October
The John Jago Good Governance Award is awarded annually to a VLGA member local government or community group (or groupings), whose governance and leadership practices have led to improved public participation in decision-making. Applications for the 2011 Award are now invited. There is a two stage process and 1st stage applications should be submitted to the VLGA by Friday 28 October 2011. Applications can be emailed or sent as hard copy. Further information can be found on our website or by contacting Ron Exiner, Director Governance, on 9349 7999 or email.

Critical role of community sector acknowledged
While most of us in local governments and the community know of the contribution of the not-for-profit (NFP) community sector, the governance of this sector is too often unfairly characterised when compared to governance in the commercial sector. However a new report examining the governance of NFP organisations has found that the performance of the sector's directors compare well to their commercial counterparts. The Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Directors Social Impact Study 2011 examines the governance of the NFP sector and the contribution made by its directors. The study found that on average non-executive directors of NFP organisations spend the equivalent of seven working weeks a year on their role as a director, with 89 per cent of these directors fulfilling this role on a voluntary basis. With the NFP sector contributing $43 billion to Australia’s GDP, the economic activity of the sector highlights the critical role of directors and governance to ensure it maintains vibrancy and effectiveness. It is also worth noting that many local government councillors and officers also serve on NFP boards, contributing above and beyond their local government commitments.

Baseline survey of Australia’s Community Recycling Enterprises
Community Recycling Network Association in partnership with the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies are undertaking a national study to identify the community recycling sector. Their online survey of enterprises aims to identify community recycling enterprises in Australia and indicate their size, structure and impacts. If you are a community recycling enterprise and would like to be included in the study, please access the survey here.

Recent State Government Gambling and Liquor Licensing Legislation
The VLGA is currently analysing legislation to set up the new Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR). The VCGLR will be formed in early 2012 as a combination of the current Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation and the Liquor Licensing Commission. We are also analysing legislation to establish the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, a pre-election promise from the Coalition Government. Both bills can be viewed at the Victorian Parliamentary documents website. The Foundation aims to replicate the VicHealth model of health promotion. The objectives of the Foundation are to reduce the prevalence of problem gambling and to foster responsible gambling. Both organisations will have implications for local governments and we will be publishing some guidance in the near future. For more information contact the VLGA’s Director Policy & Public Affairs, Darren Ray on (03) 9349 7902 or via email.

Social Procurement Implementation Toolkit now available on Local Government Victoria website

With a lot of focus at the VLGA and in the sector on procuring local business (see our recent Leading Edge Forum webcast), it is timely to announce that the Social Procurement Implementation Toolkit, a direct outcome of the Social Procurement: Expert Support Program can now be downloaded. The program was funded through the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD), through Local Government Victoria and the Community Development Group, the Department of Human Services and Social Traders. The development of the program has been informed through an extensive consultation process and through resources and materials made available by a 'panel of experts'. Local government officers from eight local governments participated in the program, including Brimbank, Darebin, Glenelg, Hume, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley and Whittlesea.

Walking Maps: new website designed to excite and inspire people to explore Victoria on foot
The Walking Maps website is at the cutting edge of health promotion, creatively exploiting technology and social media to enable Victorians to create, discover and share their walks, wherever we live, play or work. Whether you want to explore what is at your own doorstep, take a scenic stroll around Victoria's premier destinations or schedule a 30-minute walking meeting around your workplace, this site will excite and inspire you to explore Victoria on foot. The website has been created by Victoria Walks – Victoria's walking health promotion charity. Victoria Walks wants to see vibrant, supportive and strong neighbourhoods and communities where people can and do choose to walk wherever possible. Visit Victoria Walks to find out more. If you’d like your own ‘guided tour’ of the new website and its capacity to promote your organisation's services to build stronger, healthier and more vibrant communities, you can attend an exclusive tour of the website at VicHealth (15-31 Pelham Street, Carlton) at 4pm, on Thursday 10 November 2011. Please RSVP by Monday 7 November via email.

Feedback from Long Walk Women’s Lunch
Speaking of walking, former AFL footballer and Aboriginal leader Michael Long started the first literal Long Walk to Canberra in 2004. At this annual women’s lunch to raise money for Long Walk projects, VLGA staff recently shared a table with Reconciliation Victoria. Talking of Michael Long himself, Elder Carolyn Briggs called on us to recognise the role that families and communities play in leadership: “it takes a community to support a leader”. Some may remember the article in The Age in August titled, “Film star turned politician blasts intervention”. The keynote address was offered by Mayor of Barkly Shire (260 kilometres north east of Alice Springs) and Jedda star, Rosalie Kunoth-Monks, herself. Her message? “Australia – walk with us – mind to mind and heart to heart.” Rosalie also told us that being Mayor was one of the most exciting things she has done in her life and spoke of the Shire’s role with communities about food, education, income, diversity and land. Finishing her talk with us, she reminded us that leadership is about “having the knowledge from who you are”, a reminder of particular importance for leaders from under-represented groups seeking to have a say in mainstream politics.

2012 Government Communication Awards close 28 October
Local government’s best communicators are being urged to showcase their achievements in the 2012 Government Communication Awards, with applications closing 28 October. Last year’s inaugural awards attracted entries from more than 50 local governments around Australia. The awards are organised by Government Communications Australia (GCA), an umbrella body representing media, communications, marketing, events and public relations professionals working in local government. GCA President, Peter Fitz, says the aim of the awards is to celebrate the best in the land. “Examples of winners’ work will go on show and hopefully inspire other council colleagues to try and improve their communications,” he says. “They can be new and old ideas re-worked – so long as they work and evidence is supplied to prove it.” Entrants should ensure they provide demonstrable evaluation outcomes as this element is heavily weighted in judging. The nine categories range from the best communication project over $5,000 to internal communications, publications, new or digital media and community engagement. Last year’s winners included Wodonga for a campaign to market the revitalised Bonegilla migrant camp, Nedlands for rebranding the city on a shoestring budget, Albury for its ‘red tape – seek and destroy’ campaign, and the Sunshine Coast for its adept handling of the region’s economic development plan. Judging will take place before Christmas with checks and ‘mystery shopping’. Winners will be announced at a GCA Awards gala event at Melbourne’s Hotel Windsor on 1 March 2012. For enquiries, email Kelli Browne or phone 0418 356 189, or email Lorraine Francis or phone (08) 9477 7232.

Events for your diary

VLGA events

Making human rights real – Warrnambool, Melbourne and Ballarat workshops

Learn more about human rights and how to translate them into the work of your organisation.

The Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT, the VLGA and VCOSS are hosting a series of free participatory workshops across Victoria to facilitate people's understanding of human rights and to develop a human rights approach to service delivery and policy development in locally based organisations. The workshops are funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department as part of a project to identifying the importance of human rights education. The workshops are designed for both the community and local government sectors – for management, service delivery workers, board members, councillors, advocates and members of vulnerable groups – and use case studies to highlight human rights and how to support human rights for people in local communities. The next workshops will be held in:
* Warrnambool: Tuesday 8 November, 10am-1pm; South West TAFE, Timor St, Warrnambool (OEA Conference and Events Centre Building B, Level 3, WB3.28)
* Melbourne CBD: Wednesday 16 November, 10am-2pm; RMI T University, Melbourne (corner Russell & Victoria Streets, Building 13, Level 3, Room 07)
* Ballarat: Tuesday 22 November, 10am-1pm; Ballarat Town Hall – Trench Room, Sturt St, Ballarat

To register for the workshops, please phone Michelle at VCOSS on 03 9654 5050 or register online for the workshop closest to you. For further information, contact the VLGA’s Human Rights Policy & Project Officer, Gary Jungwirth, via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.

VLGA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 3 November, 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
Join us to reflect on the challenges and achievements of the last year. We will formally present our financial statements and Annual Report, and award a life membership to Liana Thompson at the AGM. Please come and celebrate this special occasion. Our guest speaker is Victorian Child Safety Commissioner, Mr Bernie Geary OAM. For more information contact the VLGA’s Member Resources Officer, Sarah Colgan, via email or phone (03) 9349 7983.

Essential Councillor Retreat: making the 4th year count!
Friday 18 – Saturday 19 November
Peppers The Sands Resort Torquay
The Essential Councillor Retreat will feature a number of expert-led practical workshops and networking opportunities pertinent to how councillors approach the 4th year of the council term. There will be a focus on:
* identifying and addressing public emotion and outrage;
* engaging effectively with local communities;
* taking stock and leaving a legacy;
* governing in the final year of council’s term; and
* ‘beyond Facebook and Twitter: communicating in ways that suit community needs’.
You can download the program and registration form from our website.

Other events

The Future of Transport in Australia
Tuesday 25 October 2011, 6.15-8.00pm
Sidney Myer Asia Centre, University of Melbourne
The Future of Transport in Australia will look at how Australians might get around in the low carbon cities of the future. Will we drive electric, hydrogen or biofuel powered cars? Or will the public transport system be revolutionized and private vehicles become a thing of the past? Will domestic air-travel be replaced with high-speed rail? This seminar brings together experts in research, policy and industry to explore these questions, discuss what technologies could be used to decarbonise Australia’s transport system and the realities of the challenges associated with bringing these online. Chaired by Mr Roy Neel, Chief of Staff for former Vice-President Al Gore and Adjunct Professor of Political Science at Vanderbilt University. Speakers include Fiona Calvert, Director Strategy and Resource Efficiency Policy, Department of Transport; Professor Nicholas Low, Professor of Environmental Planning, University of Melbourne; Patrick Hearps, Research Fellow, Melbourne Energy Institute; and William McDougall, Principal, Public Transport Practice Leader, Sinclair Knight Merz. Click here for further details and registration. For further information please telephone 03 8344 3637 or visit their website at www.grattan.edu.au.

Environment obligations seminar
Friday 28 October, 8.30am-5pm
Norton Rose conference rooms, Lvl 15, 485 Bourke St, Melbourne
Presented by the Australian Environment Business Network (AEBN) with Norton Rose law firm. Environmental legislation and policies are undergoing a series of significant changes and reviews that will impact industry, business and local governments. The AEBN Environment Obligations Seminar is designed to provide industry, business and councils with an update of the latest changes to national, Victorian and New South Wales environmental laws, policies and reviews to assist you in complying with your environmental obligations. Go here for more details.

North East Branch ALGWA ‘Think women for local government 2012’ Forum
Saturday 12 November, 1-4pm
Strathbogie Shire Civic Centre, Bury Street, Euroa
To be opened by Hon Jeanette Powell MP, this forum will share information and support the North East Local Government Women’s Association in encouraging women candidates for the local government elections in 2012. Enquiries and RSVP to Cr Marg Attley, North East ALGWA President, on 0400 256 035 or email; or to Cr Colleen Furlanetto, North East ALGWA (Interim) Secretary, on 0427 537 522 or email.

Community power conference: Australian communities taking charge of their energy use

Monday 14 – Tuesday 15 November
Capital Theatre, View Street, Bendigo
Are you looking for practical, achievable ways to reduce the impact of electricity price rises in your community? This conference aims to showcase how regional Australian communities are developing innovative energy projects; helping to reduce local economic shocks; and can take practical action to hedge against rising energy prices. The Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities, in its third biennial conference on renewable energy, is partnering with the Central Victoria Solar City project, part of the Australian Government’s Solar Cities program, and the City of Greater Bendigo, to deliver an exciting exploration of current energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies and actions being taken by Australian communities. For more information and to register, go here.

9th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
Tuesday 15 – Wednesday 16 November
Melbourne
As an endorsing partner, the VLGA has secured a massive 50% discount for our members to this conference. With a strong focus on issues relevant to local governments, guest presenters include Ballarat and Melbourne CEOs Anthony Schinck and Dr Kathy Alexander. There are three easy ways for VLGA members to register: on the internet; by telephone (02) 9080 4307; or via email. Make sure you quote the following exclusive VLGA event code: P11M41 with your booking. For more information and to see the program, go here. To stay connected to this conference, follow it on LinkedIn, Twitter (#victransport), the Informa blog, or Youtube.

5th ‘State of Australian Cities’ National Conference
Tuesday 29 November – Friday 2 December
University of Melbourne, Parkville
Australia’s society and economy are dominated by its cities and regions, and the future of Australia’s environment is also linked to urban sustainability. The State of Australian Cities is a national forum, held biennially, to share scholarship directed at the complex and multidimensional issues facing us as an urban nation. Australian cities are highly ranked internationally for their liveability, and have continued to grow strongly through a global financial crisis. Yet we are confronted with significant challenges. These challenges should not blind us to opportunities. For the first time in two decades, the Federal Government is talking about the need to address the infrastructure gap in cities. A growing body of urban researchers is interested in the policy implications of their work, while policy-makers are increasingly turning to the developing evidence base. Unlikely coalitions are springing up to address intertwined social, economic, environmental, governance, and infrastructure issues.

17 October 2011

2011-10-17T12:35:00.003+11:00

VLGA President’s Message
Late last week I read with interest in local media that the State Government will review whether to keep the direct election of the Melbourne lord mayor, and has confirmed a review of how the mayor is chosen in both Melbourne and Geelong. The announcement seems to mark a change in position for the government. Minister Powell’s office has confirmed that the review would be held during the 2012-2016 four-year local government term. The VLGA, in our submission to the consultation on the directly elected mayor for Geelong called for a review of the process within the 2012-2016 term before direct election is considered for mayors of any other municipalities in Victoria. I expect we will hear more over time about this matter.

Also last week, we received an influx of registrations for the VLGA’s Essential Councillor Retreat. As places are limited I encourage you to register quickly. You can download the program and registration form here, or from our website. I look forward to seeing you around and about. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line. Cheers.

Cr Samantha Dunn, President

Keeping you up to date

VLGA Annual General Meeting
We are very excited to confirm that Bernie Geary, Victorian Child Safety Commissioner will be speaking at our AGM, which takes place on Thursday November 3 at 6pm. Bernie is a passionate advocate for protecting children and promoting human rights, and “calls it as he sees it”. We look forward to welcoming members and friends there to hear Bernie. Of course, being an AGM we have some formal business to conduct, and member councils are reminded that their delegate has a vote or right to appoint a proxy, as the council representative to the VLGA. Councillors of member councils who have signed up individually also have a vote or right to appoint a proxy. If you have any queries, please contact Barbara Bennett, Office Manager or Ron Exiner, Director Governance on 9349 7999.

VLGA request for casual staff
From time to time we have opportunities to employ casual staff to perform a variety of administration related duties including data entry, front of house reception and function support. Our needs are generally such that we can be quite flexible as to the hours and days of work. This can include after-hours assistance at our monthly Leading Edge Forums and events, and administration support when our permanent staff are on leave, and those busy times when we just need some assistance. We would be delighted to hear from you if you are interested in being part of our very friendly team, so please give Barbara Bennett a call on 9349 7901, or email.

Congratulations to Kingston from the Mayors on their Bikes!
The ‘Mayors on Bikes’ event hosted by the City of Kingston last Wednesday was an outstanding success. Mayor Ron Brownlees and Cr Trevor Shewan welcomed everyone to the City of Kingston and council officers Michael Haley and Hannah Croughan ensured the range of activities they had arranged went to plan. At stops along the route between Carrum and Mordialloc council officers informed the group of initiatives and proposals supporting sustainable transport options. At the end of the tour riders appreciated the generous lunch and refreshments provided by Council at the Tour de Cafe in the Peter Scullin Reserve at Mordialloc. There were many positive comments from participants who enjoyed this special Mayors on Bikes event. Kingston can be very satisfied with their well organised day. Thanks to VLGA Life Member Tom Moloney and Member Jim Connor for their support on the day and to the Metropolitan Transport Forum and Chair Cr Jackie Fristacky from the City of Yarra for partnering in this event.

…and congratulations to Melbourne on their world first ‘1200 Building Program’ start up
The first Environmental Upgrade Agreement has been signed under the City of Melbourne’s 1200 Building Program. The signing between the City of Melbourne, Sustainable Melbourne Fund and building owner will fund a $400,000 retrofit of 460 Collins Street that will result in a reduction of approximately 170 tonnes of CO2-e per year. The funds will allow for the installation of an energy efficient chiller unit and building management system upgrade. Chair of the Future Melbourne (Eco-City) Committee, Cr Cathy Oke said the landmark signing meant Melbourne was leading the pack of cities in the UK, USA and Australia developing programs to finance large scale energy efficiency retrofitting in commercial buildings by linking local government charging powers to the lending capacities of financial institutions. To read the full details in the City of Melbourne’s press release go here.

Mt Alexander signs on to Women’s Charter
With the latest endorsement of the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter by Mt Alexander Shire, the numbers now stand at 60 endorsements across Victoria’s 79 local governments. This says volumes about the sector’s readiness to extend the hand of invitation to a diversity of women in the community to participate in their local governments as citizens, employees and elected councillors. We look forward to celebrating this achievement at the Melbourne Town Hall cocktail party on November 9. It’s an important calendar event when the final Charter Project Report will be officially launched and the new challenge to the sector will be issued: “Think women for local government 2012 – count down to October 2012 starts now.”

Human rights and older Victorians
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission wants to learn more about the human rights issues affecting older Victorians. One way it aims to do this is through a community consultation forum on the rights of older people to be held on 28 October at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne. Susan Ryan, the Federal Age Discrimination Commissioner, will speak at the forum along with Karen Toohey, Acting Commissioner of VEOHRC. To download the flyer for the event go here. VEOHRC is further seeking the views of the community through an online survey on the rights of older people and an online discussion forum. Both the survey and the discussion forum can be found here. For more information contact Adrian Bates on 9032 3471.

CEDA releases ‘Women in Leadership’ report
The CEDA “Women in Leadership” report discusses many issues of deep interest which intersect with the experiences of women councillors and senior officers in local government. Food for thought and energy for change. Reports such as this, and other subsequent publications that will emerge from CEDA’s ongoing Women in Leadership series across Australia, aim to drive the debate around gender equity, and in turn substantiate the business case for improvements for women in leadership roles. To see more go here.

Youthlaw survey
Youthlaw is conducting a survey to better understand the relationship between young people and Victoria Police. If you know someone aged between 14 and 25 who has something to say about experiences with Victoria Police they can go to the link below for a short survey, asking a range of questions about their interactions. The findings will be used by Youthlaw to inform future policy proposals, which will be presented to members of the Victorian government. Contact Youthlaw for further information on 9611 2412 or email. The survey can be found here.

‘Clever Councilling’ program
Series sessions starting 11 November, Full day sessions starting 25 November
VLGA / Green Building meeting rooms, 60 Leicester St Carlton, and Richmond Library
A new professional development program for elected representatives is now available in Victoria. The program is modified to suit participants whether experienced councillors, women councillors and/or potential candidates. Topics include Personal Productivity; Personality Style; and Being Heard. Dr Louise Mahler and Performance Unlimited’s Roma O’Callaghan are facilitating a series of sessions for councillors wanting to enhance their skills and effectiveness. To download the registration form go here. For further information contact Roma O’Callaghan on 0400 800 060 or via email.

Events for your diary

VLGA events

Making human rights real – Wangaratta workshop
Learn more about human rights and how to translate them into the work of your organisation.
The Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT, the VLGA and VCOSS are hosting a series of free participatory workshops across Victoria to facilitate people's understanding of human rights and to develop a human rights approach to service delivery and policy development in locally based organisations. The workshops are funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department as part of a project to identifying the importance of human rights education. The workshops are designed for both the community and local government sectors – for management, service delivery workers, board members, councillors, advocates and members of vulnerable groups – and use case studies to highlight human rights and how to support human rights for people in local communities. The next workshops will be held in:
* Wangaratta on Tuesday 18 October, 10am-1pm at the Wangaratta Library, 21 Docker St, Wangaratta

To register for the Wangaratta workshop, please phone Michelle at VCOSS on 03 9654 5050 or register online for the workshop closest to you. For further information, contact the VLGA’s Human Rights Policy & Project Officer Gary Jungwirth via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.

VLGA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 3 November, 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
Pencil this date into your diary and join us to reflect on the challenges and the achievements of the last year. We will formally present our financial statements and Annual Report, and award a life membership at the AGM. For more information contact the VLGA’s Member Resources Officer, Sarah Colgan, via email or on (03) 9349 7983.

9th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
Tuesday 15 – Wednesday 16 November
Melbourne
As an endorsing partner, the VLGA has secured a massive 50% discount for our members to this conference. With a strong focus on issues relevant to local governments, guest presenters include Ballarat and Melbourne CEOs Anthony Schinck and Dr Kathy Alexander. There are three easy ways for VLGA members to register: on the internet; by telephone (02) 9080 4307; or via email. Make sure you quote the following exclusive VLGA event code: P11M41 with your booking. For more information and to see the program, go here. To stay connected to this conference, follow it on LinkedIn, Twitter (#victransport), the Informa blog, or Youtube.

Other events

Environment obligations seminar
Friday 28 October, 8.30am to 5pm
Norton Rose conference rooms, Lvl 15, 485 Bourke St, Melbourne
Presented by the Australian Environment Business Network (AEBN) with Norton Rose law firm
Environmental legislation and policies are undergoing a series of significant changes and reviews that will impact industry, business and councils. The AEBN Environment Obligations Seminar is designed to provide industry, business and councils with an update of the latest changes to national, Victorian and New South Wales environmental laws, policies and reviews to assist you in complying with your environmental obligations. Go here for more details.

North East Branch ALGWA ‘Think women for local government 2012’ Forum
Saturday 12 November, 1pm-4pm
Strathbogie Shire Civic Centre, Bury Street, Euroa
To be opened by Hon Jeanette Powell MP, this forum will share information and support the North East Local Government Women’s Association in encouraging women candidates for the local government elections in 2012. Enquiries and RSVP to Cr Marg Attley, North East ALGWA President, on 0400 256 035 or via email; or to Cr Colleen Furlanetto, North East ALGWA (interim) Secretary, on 0427 537 522 or via email.

Community power conference: Australian communities taking charge of their energy use
Monday 14 – Tuesday 15 November
Capital Theatre, View Street, Bendigo
Are you looking for practical, achievable ways to reduce the impact of electricity price rises in your community? This conference aims to showcase how regional Australian communities are developing innovative energy projects; helping to reduce local economic shocks; and can take practical action to hedge against rising energy prices. The Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities, in its third biennial conference on renewable energy, is partnering with the Central Victoria Solar City project, part of the Australian Government’s Solar Cities program, and the City of Greater Bendigo, to deliver an exciting exploration of current energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies and actions being taken by Australian communities. For more information and to register, go here.

5th ‘State of Australian Cities’ National Conference
Tuesday 29 November – Friday 2 December
University of Melbourne, Parkville
Australia’s society and economy are dominated by its cities and regions, and the future of Australia’s environment is also linked to urban sustainability. The State of Australian Cities is a national forum, held biennially, to share scholarship directed at the complex and multidimensional issues facing us as an urban nation. Australian cities are highly ranked internationally for their liveability, and have continued to grow strongly through a global financial crisis. Yet we are confronted with significant challenges. These challenges should not blind us to opportunities. For the first time in two decades, the Federal Government is talking about the need to address the infrastructure gap in cities. A growing body of urban researchers is interested in the policy implications of their work, while policy-makers are increasingly turning to the developing evidence base. Unlikely coalitions are springing up to address intertwined social, economic, environmental, governance, and infrastructure issues.

10 October 2011

2011-10-10T13:16:00.006+11:00

VLGA President’s Message
I was delighted to attend the launch of Reconciliation Victoria last Tuesday where the Hon Jeanette Powell spoke about the Government’s support for the work of the organisation. There is a more comprehensive update below. Last Thursday night, the VLGA hosted another highly successful Leading Edge Forum attended by a large crowd who were able to enjoy networking together before hearing our challenging panellists. Brian Haratsis, Managing Director and Chief Economist from MacroPlan; James Lamour-Reid, Committee Member, Planning Institute Australia; and Matt Ruchel Executive Director, Victorian National Parks Association gave us three very different and inspiring insights into future population, infrastructure and sustainability in local communities. If you weren’t able to be there you can watch the webcast here. October is Planning Month, celebrating the industry's work with an intensive four weeks of professional development and networking activities. The PIA website shows the list of events. Member local governments have been corresponding with us on a number of issues recently, and we are interested in hearing more from you about these issues. Concerns have been raised about cuts to occasional Care ‘Take a Break’ funding, and siting of soil treatment facilities. If your council has comments on these issues please contact our CEO, Maree McPherson via email.

On another matter, I am aware that a number of mayors have expressed their surprise about the process undertaken to select representatives for the Ministerial Mayors Advisory Panel announced by Minister Powell on 29 September. I am keen to hear more from mayors and councillors about this, to inform my next discussions with the Minister.

Limited places at the VLGA’s Essential Councillor Retreat are filling fast and the early bird discount closes this Friday - 14 October. Make sure you register this week to take advantage of the discounted price. You can download the program and registration form here, or from our website. And don’t forget ALGWA Vic branch’s celebration of ALGWA’s 60th birthday, this Saturday at Box Hill. More details in the events section below. This week’s is another jam-packed eNews bulletin, so happy reading, and I look forward to seeing you around and about. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line. Cheers.

Cr Samantha Dunn, President

Keeping you up to date

Local Government Capacity Building Project gets underway
The VLGA has appointed Emma Shepherdson as the Gaming Policy Officer to deliver the Local Government Capacity Building Project. The project aims to increase the capacity of local governments across Victoria to address Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) gambling related issues in the changing social and regulatory environment. The outcome will be greater certainty for industry, local governments and the community. The project is being informed in part by the Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG), which is auspiced by the VLGA.
Changing State and Federal regulatory environments mean that now more than ever, is the time to strengthen Council policy and statutory responses to gaming machines. The Capacity Building Project will achieve this by providing policy support and training to increase knowledge in council staff and councillors. Key aims of this project will be to enhance planning controls and social policies around gaming, as well as training on useful tools and guides for gaming processes.
Emma will share this role with her ongoing position at Moreland City Council. She can be contacted via email or 9349 7999 from 10 October.

Making human rights real – Traralgon and Wangaratta workshops
Learn more about human rights and how to translate them into the work of your organisation.
The Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT, the VLGA and VCOSS are hosting a series of free participatory workshops across Victoria to facilitate people's understanding of human rights and to develop a human rights approach to service delivery and policy development in locally based organisations. The workshops are funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department as part of a project to identifying the importance of human rights education. The workshops are designed for both the community and local government sectors – for management, service delivery workers, board members, councillors, advocates and members of vulnerable groups – and use case studies to highlight human rights and how to support human rights for people in local communities. The next workshops will be held in:
* Traralgon on Tuesday 11 October, 10am-2pm at the Traralgon Business Centre, 55 Grey Street Traralgon, and
* Wangaratta on Tuesday 18 October, 10am-1pm at the Wangaratta Library, 21 Docker St, Wangaratta

To register for the Traralgon and Wangaratta workshops, please phone Michelle at VCOSS on 03 9654 5050 or register online for the workshop closest to you. For further information, contact the VLGA’s Human Rights Policy & Project Officer Gary Jungwirth via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.

Reconciliation Victoria re-launches
Last Tuesday, Reconciliation Victoria celebrated a significant moment when the Hon. Jeanette Powell, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Local Government, officially re-launched the organisation at its new premises at Hub Melbourne in the CBD. Minister Powell spoke of the unfinished business of reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians, and the importance of Reconciliation Victoria’s work in combating racism, and building just and respectful relationships between Aboriginal and other Victorians. The VLGA was well-represented at the event, and to read more and see pictures go here. Reconciliation Victoria has recently released it’s Spring Newsletter, packed with information about the Reconciliation in Local Government Project, their submission on Constitutional Reform, the success of National Reconciliation Week 2011, a round-up of activities from local reconciliation groups, plans for the coming year and more. Download the newsletter here. Reconciliation Victoria is also currently looking for someone to join their small team in the role of Coordinator, Local Government and Community Engagement. Applications close 14 October. Suitably experienced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. You can download the position description here.

VLGA Life Member Don Chambers retires from Keeping Australia Beautiful
Former VLGA and Eco-Recycle Board member, Mayor and councillor at Indigo Shire, Don Chambers is stepping down from his role as Chair of Keep Australia Beautiful after eight years. We all congratulate you Don on your achievements and thank you for the time you have given to this and your many other voluntary community support roles.

Social Media and Local Government

The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) is capturing a snapshot of how
Australian local government is using social media. On 4 October a short online survey was sent to
every Council in Australia requesting they share their views and experiences about using social media.
The results will feed into an ACELG Issues Paper, which aims to assist with building capacity and understanding in the local government sector when it comes to using social media. The aggregated information will provide baseline data for further studies over time, and in the process enable organisations such as ACELG, Local Government Associations and other peak professional organisations to work on tools that can assist Councils. Both the national survey and the Issues Paper are supported by all State - Territory and national Local Government Associations and will be completed by the end of this year. Keep an eye out for the survey!

John Jago Good Governance Award
The John Jago Good Governance Award is awarded annually to a VLGA member local government or community group (or groupings), whose governance and leadership practices have led to improved public participation in decision-making. Applications for the 2011 Award are now invited. There is a two stage process and 1st stage applications should be submitted to the VLGA by Friday 28 October 2011. Applications can be emailed or sent as hard copy. Further information can be found on our website or by contacting Ron Exiner, Director Governance, on 9349 7999 or via email.

Events for your diary

VLGA events

Mayors on Bikes 2011
This Wednesday 12 October, 10am-1.30pm
Kingston City Council
Coinciding with Ride to Work Day, Mayors on Bikes provides a useful informal networking and information sharing event that is invaluable to any mayor interested in transport and planning issues. Join us to explore a viable sustainable transport option. Hosted by the City of Kingston, this year’s event involves mayors, other representatives from local governments, and State Government authorities to join together in a leisurely bike ride along the Patterson River Trail, Wells Road shared path, Edithvale Road and Long Beach Trail. The ride will highlight some of the recent shared path and other upgrades, as well as the future challenges being faced by Kingston and shared by other local governments. Following the bike ride, there will be opportunity for networking over refreshments. See our Mayors on Bikes event page to register.

2011 Thriving Neighbourhoods Conference
Tuesday-Wednesday 25-26 October
St Kilda Town Hall
Thriving Neighbourhoods (TN) is a conference series that explores the impact of the built and natural environments on communities’ health, wellbeing and productivity. The VLGA is a major conference supporter and VLGA members are entitled to a $100-discount off the registration fees. The 2011 conference focuses on the role of local governments in creating liveable, sustainable and healthy communities: how they engage stakeholders including the property, planning, parks and recreation, health, and other government sectors. The conference will take these diverse groups out of their silos and work collaboratively to create a living environment where residents are healthy and productive. The VLGA is making a financial contribution to bring Paul Hawken to the conference. Paul is a renowned author whose works have transformed businesses’ thinking about their impact on the environment, will be in Melbourne to address the conference. In The Ecology of Commerce, he argues for ‘full-cost accounting’: taking account of social, environmental and economic costs to truly gauge the impact of a business decision. The program and registration details can be found at http://thrivingneighbourhoods2011.org. TN is hosted by ICLEI – Local governments for Sustainability, a non-profit movement of local governments aimed at building capacity of councils to implement long-term local actions to achieve sustainable development. The City of Port Phillip is ICLEI’s principal partner.

VLGA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 3 November, 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
Pencil this date into your diary and join us to reflect on the challenges and the achievements of the last year. We will formally present our financial statements and Annual Report, and award a life membership at the AGM. For more information contact the VLGA’s Member Resources Officer, Sarah Colgan, via email or on (03) 9349 7983.

Other events

Local government forum: alternative water supplies for public open space
Friday 14 October, 9.30-11.30am
Sustainability Victoria, Level 28, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Sustainability Victoria invites you to the latest of its quarterly forums for local government officers and managers. Open spaces, such as parks, sports-grounds and streetscapes, are a vital part of our community infrastructure. Rainfall amounts have varied considerably over the past years. As a result, councils and the water industry are now looking into new ways of sourcing water that will reduce dependence on mains supply and maintain the quality of these spaces. This forum explores a strategic approach to planning for alternative water supplies, along with a leading practice examples from local government. Presentations will include:
* Geoff Connellan, G & M Connellan Consultants: Strategies for sustainable irrigated open space using alternative water supplies
* Steve Bumstead, Yarra Valley Water: Alternative water supply options and the community cost model
* Jason Summers, Hume City Council: Using reclaimed stormwater for sustainable irrigation
RSVP by 5pm on Tuesday 11 October via email to Nick Bailey or phone (03) 8626 8824.

The Long Walk Women's Luncheon 2011
Friday 14 October, 11.30am
Peninsula at Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands
Join the VLGA who is also donating a seat to this event that will celebrate Indigenous women’s achievements over lunch with great entertainment and conversation. The Long Walk is a charity inspired by Michael Long’s walk to Canberra to get the lives of Australia’s Indigenous people back on the national agenda. Special Guests include Rosalie Kunoth-Monks; Fay Ball; The Sunshine Sisters (Emma Donovan, Jessie Lloyd and Deline Briscoe) and the MC Pauline Whyman. You can book a table of 10 for the luncheon, and individuals and businesses are encouraged to donate seats to Indigenous women with limited funds. Please indicate donated seats by writing ‘donated seat’ as the guest name in the booking form. Seats (at $110 each) will be donated to FVPLS Victoria to distribute. Funds raised through the Women’s Luncheon will contribute to The Long Walk’s Indigenous Cultural Exchange in 2012. Please register online.

Creating a platform for action on rural and regional safety
Wednesday 19 October
Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat
The Ballarat Community Safety Advisory Committee invites you to this inaugural conference. The aim of the conference is to present current evidence and practice of community safety issues affecting Victorian rural and regional areas. Themes include Alcohol Related Harm; Driver/Cyclist Interaction; Women’s Violence Prevention; and Urban Design. For more information and to register online visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au. Registrations close Friday 14 October.

Public-private partnership in planning and management of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)
Wednesday 19 October, 5.45pm-6.45pm
Condell Room, 1st Floor of the Melbourne Town Hall
Free public lecture hosted jointly by the City of Melbourne and SGS Economics & Planning and featuring Dr Seth A. Grossman, of Rutgers University-Newark, New Jersey. Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are distinctive, formalised partnerships between the public and private sectors operating as units of sub-government at the local level. There are more than 650 BIDs in the USA, and an estimated 1,500 worldwide. BIDs are special districts designed to bring together public, private and civic actors to achieve comprehensive community revitalisation, economic development and quality of life improvements in primary business and mixed use areas. Such partnerships appear to allow the public sector to enjoy more vigorous entrepreneurship, while allowing the private sector to utilize public authority and public processes to achieve economic and community revitalization. BIDs are unique because they are authorised by local ordinance, but tend to be managed by private and non-profit entities that function as publically oriented public-private partnerships. This presentation explores how BIDs dissolve public-private dichotomies to create new hybrid capacities for mutually beneficial community and business development. Registration (for catering purposes) by Friday 14 October to Rebecca Stroud, via email or (03) 8616 0331. Inquiries on program to Nigel Flannigan, via email.

Crisis and opportunity: the changing face of environmental health
Wednesday 19 – Friday 21 October
Comfort Inn Country Plaza, Halls Gap
Presented by Environmental Health Australia (Vic) Inc., and supported by the Department of Health, Northern Grampians Shire and Macpherson+Kelley Lawyers, this 2nd Annual Professional Development Symposium will feature a range of workshops, site tours and social functions specifically aimed at local government Environmental Health Officers, Local Laws Officers, Health Planners and others. One of the workshops will feature the VLGA’s Food Security Policy Officer, Leah Galvin, speaking on ‘the relevance of addressing food security as an opportunity prior to crisis’ along with Meagan Ward, of the Grampians and Pyrenees Primary Care Partnership. You can download the conference program and conference registration.

An evening with Paul Hawken
Friday 21 October, 6.15-8.30pm
Peninsula Community Theatre, Cnr Nepean Hwy & Wilsons Rd, Mornington
Mornington Peninsula Shire invites you to share an evening with Paul Hawken - an environmentalist, entrepreneur, journalist and author. Paul has dedicated his life to sustainability and changing the relationship between business and the environment. His practice has included starting and running ecological businesses, writing and teaching about the impact of commerce on living systems, and consulting with governments and corporations on economic development, industrial ecology and environmental policy. Paul is a best-selling author of six books, including Blessed Unrest and Natural Capitalism, as well as dozens of articles and other papers concerning the responsibility of business to the natural environment and our social and ethical obligations to others around the world. Cost: Free
RSVP: via email by Monday 17 October.

North East Branch ALGWA ‘Think women for local government 2012’ Forum
Saturday 12 November, 1pm-4pm
Strathbogie Shire Civic Centre, Bury Street, Euroa
To be opened by Hon Jeanette Powell MP, this forum will share information and support the North East Local Government Women’s Association in encouraging women candidates for the local government elections in 2012. Enquiries and RSVP to Cr Marg Attley, North East ALGWA President, on 0400 256 035 or via email; or to Cr Colleen Furlanetto, North East ALGWA (interim) Secretary, on 0427 537 522 or via email.

Community power conference: Australian communities taking charge of their energy use
Monday 14 – Tuesday 15 November
Capital Theatre, View Street, Bendigo
Are you looking for practical, achievable ways to reduce the impact of electricity price rises in your community? This conference aims to showcase how regional Australian communities are developing innovative energy projects; helping to reduce local economic shocks; and can take practical action to hedge against rising energy prices. The Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities, in its third biennial conference on renewable energy, is partnering with the Central Victoria Solar City project, part of the Australian Government’s Solar Cities program, and the City of Greater Bendigo, to deliver an exciting exploration of current energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies and actions being taken by Australian communities. For more information and to register, go here.

9th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
Tuesday 15 – Wednesday 16 November
Melbourne
As an endorsing partner, the VLGA has secured a massive 50% discount for our members to this conference. With a strong focus on issues relevant to local governments, guest presenters include Ballarat and Melbourne CEOs Anthony Schinck and Dr Kathy Alexander. There are three easy ways for VLGA members to register: on the internet; by telephone (02) 9080 4307; or via email. Make sure you quote the following exclusive VLGA event code: P11M41 with your booking. For more information and to see the program, go here. To stay connected to this conference, follow it on LinkedIn, Twitter (#victransport), the Informa blog, or Youtube.

‘Clever Councilling’ program
Series sessions starting 11 November, Full day sessions starting 25 November
VLGA / Green Building meeting rooms, 60 Leicester St Carlton, and Richmond Library
A new professional development program for elected representatives is now available in Victoria. The program is modified to suit participants whether experienced councillors, women councillors and/or potential candidates. Topics include Personal Productivity; Personality Style; and Being Heard. Dr Louise Mahler and Performance Unlimited’s Roma O’Callaghan are facilitating a series of sessions for councillors wanting to enhance their skills and effectiveness. Early-bird bookings and rates close on 12 October and to download the registration form go here. For further information contact Roma O’Callaghan on 0400 800 060 or via email.

5th ‘State of Australian Cities’ National Conference
Tuesday 29 November – Friday 2 December
University of Melbourne, Parkville
Australia’s society and economy are dominated by its cities and regions, and the future of Australia’s environment is also linked to urban sustainability. The State of Australian Cities is a national forum, held biennially, to share scholarship directed at the complex and multidimensional issues facing us as an urban nation. Australian cities are highly ranked internationally for their liveability, and have continued to grow strongly through a global financial crisis. Yet we are confronted with significant challenges. These challenges should not blind us to opportunities. For the first time in two decades, the Federal Government is talking about the need to address the infrastructure gap in cities. A growing body of urban researchers is interested in the policy implications of their work, while policy-makers are increasingly turning to the developing evidence base. Unlikely coalitions are springing up to address intertwined social, economic, environmental, governance, and infrastructure issues.

3 October 2011

2011-10-03T14:30:00.004+11:00

VLGA President’s Message
We are receiving a steady stream of registrations for our upcoming Essential Councillor Retreat from 18-19 November, but as numbers are limited make sure to get the details and register today by going here. As usual, October and November are shaping up to be among the busiest event months of the year, so we have kept our news items brief this week to enable you to look at the fantastic range of events on offer. Last week we reminded you that, so far, only seven metropolitan and 15 regional and rural local governments have completed the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission’s annual survey. The online survey closes on 7 October, so I encourage you to follow this up to ensure that there is a response from your council. Numbers are rising for our next Leading Edge Forum this coming Thursday 6 October on population growth, infrastructure and the environment so make sure you RSVP to us soon online or call (03) 9349 7999. Also last week, we were advised that the Essential Services Commission (ESC) Performance Framework for local government will not proceed for the 2010-11 report. I understand that the Minister is reviewing benchmarking of local governments in her agenda for this term of government. While we await further information, I would like to acknowledge the ESC for the consultative approach their officers took to the process. I look forward to seeing you around and about. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line. Cheers.

Cr Samantha Dunn, President

Keeping you up to date

Making human rights real – Traralgon and Wangaratta workshops
Learn more about human rights and how to translate them into the work of your organisation.
The Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT, the VLGA and VCOSS are hosting a series of free participatory workshops across Victoria to facilitate people's understanding of human rights and to develop a human rights approach to service delivery and policy development in locally based organisations. The workshops are funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department as part of a project to identifying the importance of human rights education. The workshops are designed for both the community and local government sectors – for management, service delivery workers, board members, councillors, advocates and members of vulnerable groups – and use case studies to highlight human rights and how to support human rights for people in local communities. The next workshops will be held in:

* Traralgon on Tuesday 11 October, 10am-2pm at the Traralgon Business Centre, 55 Grey Street Traralgon, and
* Wangaratta on Tuesday 18 October, 10am-1pm at the Wangaratta Library, 21 Docker St, Wangaratta

To register for the Traralgon and Wangaratta workshops, please phone Michelle at VCOSS on 03 9654 5050 or register online for the workshop closest to you. For further information, contact the VLGA’s Human Rights Policy & Project Officer Gary Jungwirth via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.

John Jago Good Governance Award 2011
The John Jago Good Governance Award is awarded annually to a VLGA member local government or community group (or groupings), whose governance and leadership practices have led to improved public participation in decision-making. Applications for the 2011 Award are now invited. There is a two stage process and 1st stage applications should be submitted to the VLGA by Friday 28 October 2011. Applications can be emailed or sent as hard copy. A letter is being sent to member councils to invite applications. Further information can be found on our website or by contacting Ron Exiner, Director Governance, on 9349 7999 or email.

Baseline survey of Australia’s community recycling enterprises
While community recycling enterprises deliver economic, social and environmental outcomes, little is known about this sector of local activity. CRN in partnership with the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies are undertaking a national study to identify the community recycling sector. This includes an online survey of enterprises, which aims to identify community recycling enterprises in Australia and indicate their size, structure and impacts. If you are a community recycling enterprise (or know of one) and would like to be included in the study, please email to CREonline or contact Craig Furneaux, Research Fellow at the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies on (07) 3138 1186 or via email.

Victoria’s top towns vie for tidiest titles
The finalists for this year’s Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KABV) Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards were announced on Tuesday 30 August. This year KABV received 188 initiatives from 53 individual entrants from all levels of the community such as local governments, local community groups, schools and individuals. Beechworth, Hastings, Horsham, Inverloch, Mornington and Wangaratta are all in the running for the Tidy Town of the Year award. The other categories include finalists from right across Victoria. This year’s Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities categories focus on community leadership, young leaders, water conservation, environmental innovation and protection, zero waste, cultural heritage and community government partnerships. The Tidy Towns finalists will all come together from 21-22 October for the Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards Weekend to be held in Rutherglen – the 2010 Tidy Town of the Year. Events over the weekend will include a Civic Welcome from Indigo Shire, the Green Living Fair with Valhalla Wines, the awards ceremony on Saturday night and a farewell breakfast on Sunday morning. Tickets to the KABV Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards Weekend are now on sale.

Pokies research and differential rates for pokies venues
At the next Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG) meeting, 9-11am on Wednesday 19 October, we will hear a presentation on the University of Ballarat’s initial research findings of the social and economic impacts of pokies on communities. We will also hold a panel discussion on differential rates and what the experience has been in the sector to date. If you would like to attend the next LGWGOG meeting to hear these presentations, please RSVP via email or phone (03) 9349 7999. For further information contact Darren Ray, Director Policy & Public Affairs via email or phone (03) 9349 7902.

VLGA CEO appointed to committee to strengthen Aboriginal participation

Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal Affairs, Jeanette Powell, has announced the members of the steering committee for the Local Government Aboriginal Partnership Project, including VLGA CEO Maree McPherson. Minister Powell said she was “delighted that leaders from local government and the Aboriginal community have come together in a partnership aimed at strengthening relationships and driving positive change for Aboriginal people.” There are three key objectives of the project:
* To support local governments in their active engagement with Aboriginal communities
* To support Aboriginal communities as they strengthen their links with local
* government
* To encourage partnership between the two levels of government around Aboriginal issues

Other members of the steering committee include Ian Hamm (Co-Chair), Executive Director, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria; John Watson (Co-Chair), Executive Director, Local Government Victoria; Rob Spence, CEO, Municipal Association of Victoria; David Preiss, CEO, Local Government Professionals; Keith Gove, Co-Chair, Reconciliation Victoria; Gina Hanson, Aboriginal Affairs Taskforce; Dr Andi Diamond, CEO, Yarra City Council; Paul Buckley, CEO, Latrobe City Council; Cr Geoff Dobson, Mayor, Greater Shepparton City Council; Cr Ken Saunders, Glenelg Shire Councillor; Denise Lovett, Chair of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council; Jason King, CEO, Gippsland & East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative; Tim Kanoa, State Coordinator, Victorian Indigenous Youth Advisory Council; and Rebecca Lannen, Manager Indigenous Co-ordination Centre, Department of Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs. For more information contact our CEO Maree McPherson via email or on (03) 9349 7901.

Young Victorians invited to get 'Involved'
Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith has invited young Victorians to apply to join the new Youth Ministerial Advisory Committee called Involve. The Involve committee will include two people from every Victorian region; one representative aged 12-17 and one aged 18-25. Applications close on 31 October, and we encourage you to nominate young people and/or pass this on to interested people. For more information, see the Youth Central website.

5StarSustainability tool for local government
Twenty-five local governments have now registered to use the 5StarSustainability online tool to measure how environmentally sustainable their local government is. Free to use, the tool looks at nine major categories of local government activities and allows users to assess progress on their sustainability journey. The tool looks at activity which is above business as usual, so even one star is a good result. Certification is also available.

Social media and local government – ACELG online survey
The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) is working to capture a snapshot of how Australian local government is using social media. On 4 October a short online survey questionnaire will be sent to every local government in Australia requesting the CEO, GM or relevant person in the organisation to share their views and experiences about using social media. ACELG encourages every local government, from metro right through to remote, to take the ten minutes to share their attitudes and experiences with regard to social media, including issues and concerns they might have. Survey results will feed into an ACELG Issues Paper, which aims to assist with building capacity and understanding in the local government sector when it comes to using social media. Both the national survey and the Issues Paper will be completed by the end of this year.

Events for your diary

VLGA events

October Leading Edge Forum – Future population, infrastructure and sustainability in local communities: rethinking the debates

Thursday 6 October, 6-9pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
Join us on Thursday night for this special 2011 Planning Month event. If you cannot attend in person, watch live and online from 7pm. Are we managing the issue or is it managing us? Is more leadership and coordination needed? Hear a range of economic, planning and environment experts reflect on the current population, planning and growth debates. Speakers include James Lamour-Reid, Committee Member, Planning Institute Australia; Brian Haratsis, Managing Director and Chief Economist, Macroplan; and Matt Ruchel, Executive Director, Victorian National Parks Association. Download the LEF flyer and register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.

Mayors on Bikes 2011
Wednesday 12 October, 10am-1.30pm
Kingston City Council
Coinciding with Ride to Work Day, Mayors on Bikes provides a useful informal networking and information sharing event that is invaluable to any mayor interested in transport and planning issues. Join us to explore a viable sustainable transport option. This year’s Mayors on Bikes event is kindly hosted by the City of Kingston and involves mayors, other representatives from local governments, and State Government authorities to join together in a leisurely bike ride along the Patterson River Trail, Wells Road shared path, Edithvale Road and Long Beach Trail. The ride will highlight some of the recent shared path and other upgrades, as well as the future challenges being faced by Kingston and shared by other local governments. Following the bike ride, there will be opportunity for networking over refreshments and to hear from key agencies as they discuss how local governments can work with them to bring about change in a consultative and collaborative manner. See our Mayors on Bikes event page for more information including the program, and to register.

VLGA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 3 November, 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
Pencil this date into your diary and join us to reflect on the challenges and the achievements of the last year. We will formally present our financial statements and Annual Report, and award a life membership at the AGM. Invitations will be sent shortly. For more information contact the VLGA’s Member Resources Officer, Sarah Colgan, via email or on (03) 9349 7983.

Essential Councillor Retreat: making the 4th year count!
Friday 18 – Saturday 19 November
Peppers The Sands Resort Torquay
Numbers are limited and there is an early bird discount for those who get in quickly (closes 14 October). You can download the program and registration form from our website.

Other events

Food-sensitive planning in urban design (FSPUD) forum
Thursday 6 October, 1.45-5.00pm

Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre, Cnr Bell Street & St Georges Road, Preston

The Heart Foundation invites you to a forum to learn more about the resource, Food-sensitive planning and urban design: a conceptual framework for achieving a sustainable and healthy food system. Guest speakers include Associate Professor Trevor Budge AM, La Trobe University; Jenny Donovan, Inclusive Design; Dr Lukar Thornton, Deakin University; and Kirsten Larsen, Victorian Eco-Innovation Lab (VEIL), Melbourne University. This forum will be of interest to planners, architects, urban designers, engineers, public health professionals, policy makers, community members and elected representatives. It will explore the critical need to consider food in urban land use and development and how that might be achieved. Admission is free and RSVPs are required via email. For a copy of the FSPUD resource, go here. This event is an initiative of the Heart Foundation and is being delivered in partnership with the VLGA, and is funded by VicHealth.

2011 Roadsafe Conference: reducing road trauma
Thursday 6 – Friday 7 October
Quality Hotel, Wangaratta Gateway, Wangaratta
Topics this year include involving the community; targeting the needs; behavioural change; and ‘beyond 2011’. The 2011 Roadsafe Conference will bring people together with a strong focus on ‘Reducing Road Trauma’. After the conference, stay on for the weekend and enjoy many of the region’s highlights of natural beauty and surroundings, road trails, wine and gourmet food.

6th Annual Community Newspapers Association of Victoria Conference
Friday 7 – Saturday 8 October
Geelong Conference Centre, Adams Court, Eastern Park Gardens
The Community Newspapers Association of Victoria (CNAV) is the peak body representing community newspapers in the state, with a current membership of around 60 members. CNAV defines a community newspaper as a newspaper or newsletter that is owned by the community. This could mean a newsletter produced by a community house or a newspaper that is produced by a group of volunteers for a town or community group. CNAV actively works with its members to enhance the capacity and standing of community newspapers, to enable them to fully realise their vital role in communities. To join CNAV at their 6th Annual Conference in Geelong, visit http://cnav.org.au/.

Bike Futures Conference 2011
Wednesday 12 – Friday 14 October
Etihad Stadium, 740 Bourke Street, Melbourne
This three-day conference is presented by the Bicycle Network and hosted by Bicycle Victoria, and brings together national and local leaders, planners, designers and builders. For further information on the conference and for registration details, go to the Bike Futures Conference website. With the transport crisis a long-term reality for Australian cities, there has never been a better time to improve liveability by embracing the benefits of bicycling, according to Harry Barber, CEO of Bicycle Victoria. Now in its third year, Bike Futures has become the key annual professional development for national and local leaders, planners, designers and builders to use bike transport and recreation to advance their communities. Bike Futures 2011 will discuss how to take the next steps from providing bike infrastructure – essential for mobility – to changing the ways cities work. It will bring together world leading experts as well as some of Australia’s leading practitioners on how to best respond to the issues confronting communities as they embrace the bicycle revolution. Workshop themes for the three days will include: innovative and human design, linking local initiatives with the bigger picture, shared paths and shared spaces, cycle tourism and how Vancouver BC has become the world’s most liveable city. The conference brings together ideas, solutions and practical strategies to meet the challenges provided by the bike riding boom.

Bike cultures: celebrating riding in Melbourne
Wednesday 12 October, 5.30pm
BMW Edge Federation Square, Melbourne
How will Cadel Evan’s ride FOR work effect our ride TO work? Can athletic and utility cycling co-exist or do fixie hipsters and cycle chic rule the lanes? Compare San Francisco’s bike culture with ours. Forget the arguments around lanes, laws and helmets for a night and roll up for a celebration of our increasing love affair with bikes and riding. Speakers include Anthony Aisenberg, Ride to Work Coordinator, Bicycle Network Victoria; Pip Carroll, Creative Producer of The Squeaky Wheel; Timothy Papandreou, San Francisco's Municipal Transit Agency, Deputy Director Sustainable Streets-Long Range Planning and Policy; Kathy Watt OAM, Olympic Gold & Silver medallist for Cycling; and the event will be MC’d by Peter Mares, Journalist and Presenter, The National Interest ABC Radio National. The event is kindly supported by The 5th World Summit on Arts and Culture, ABC Radio National, and Bicycle Network Victoria. Melbourne Conversations is a series of free public discussions presented by the City of Melbourne:
www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Whatson/conversations/Pages/conversations.aspx.

Local government forum: alternative water supplies for public open space
Friday 14 October, 9.30-11.30am
Sustainability Victoria, Level 28, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Sustainability Victoria invites you to the latest of its quarterly forums for local government officers and managers. Open spaces, such as parks, sports-grounds and streetscapes, are a vital part of our community infrastructure. Rainfall amounts have varied considerably over the past years. As a result, councils and the water industry are now looking into new ways of sourcing water that will reduce dependence on mains supply and maintain the quality of these spaces. This forum explores a strategic approach to planning for alternative water supplies, along with a leading practice examples from local government. Presentations will include:
* Geoff Connellan, G & M Connellan Consultants: Strategies for sustainable irrigated open space using alternative water supplies
* Steve Bumstead, Yarra Valley Water: Alternative water supply options and the community cost model
* Jason Summers, Hume City Council: Using reclaimed stormwater for sustainable irrigation
RSVP by 5pm on Tuesday 11 October via email to Nick Bailey or phone (03) 8626 8824.

The Long Walk Women's Luncheon 2011
Friday 14 October, 11.30am
Peninsula at Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands
Join the VLGA who is also donating a seat to this event that will celebrate Indigenous women’s achievements over lunch with great entertainment and conversation. The Long Walk is a charity inspired by Michael Long’s walk to Canberra to get the lives of Australia’s Indigenous people back on the national agenda. Special Guests include Rosalie Kunoth-Monks; Fay Ball; The Sunshine Sisters (Emma Donovan, Jessie Lloyd and Deline Briscoe) and the MC Pauline Whyman. You can book a table of 10 for the luncheon, and individuals and businesses are encouraged to donate seats to Indigenous women with limited funds. Please indicate donated seats by writing ‘donated seat’ as the guest name in the booking form. Seats (at $110 each) will be donated to FVPLS Victoria to distribute. Funds raised through the Women’s Luncheon will contribute to The Long Walk’s Indigenous Cultural Exchange in 2012. Please register online.

Climate Change Adaptation Conference
Thursday-Friday 13-14 October
Melbourne Town Hall
3 Pillars Network presents the Climate Change Adaptation National Congress in partnership with NCCARF & CSIRO Climate Adaptation Flagship & Net Balance. A two-day interactive forum exploring the policy, strategies and business models needed to enable a climate resilient future for Australia. Keynote speakers include Rear Admiral D. Titley, Oceanographer and Navigator of the US Navy, and Dr Graeme Pearman, Monash University. The Congress is intended for organisations at all stages of adaptation planning. Using a participative process, sessions are designed to engage the collective expertise of all attendees – drawing on Australian and International experts across a range of disciplines to help bridge ‘knowledge gaps’ and inform new ideas. Visit www.climateadaptation.com.au for more details.

ALGWA's diamond birthday!
Saturday 15 October, 2-4pm
Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill
The Australian Local Government Women’s Association celebrates its 60th birthday on 15 October 2011. Join ALGWA in celebrating 60 years of supporting women elected to, and working in, the local government sector, where the winner of the 2011 ALGWA Bursary award will also be announced. Special guest speaker will be former Hawthorn Mayor and Councillor Jane Nathan. Jane was also a commissioner and MAV treasurer. She is currently a member of the Underwood Ministerial Advisory Committee reviewing the planning system, is President of Australian Population Institute, and was the first female committee member of the Melbourne Cricket Club.
All are welcome, including former members. Cost $35. Further details please contact the Secretary Cr Helen Harris.

Creating a platform for action on rural and regional safety
Wednesday 19 October
Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat
The Ballarat Community Safety Advisory Committee invites you to this inaugural conference. The aim of the conference is to present current evidence and practice of community safety issues affecting Victorian rural and regional areas. Themes include Alcohol Related Harm; Driver/Cyclist Interaction; Women’s Violence Prevention; and Urban Design. For more information and to register online visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au. Registrations close Friday 14 October.

Public-private partnership in planning and management of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)
Wednesday 19 October, 5.45pm-6.45pm
Condell Room, 1st Floor of the Melbourne Town Hall
Free public lecture hosted jointly by the City of Melbourne and SGS Economics & Planning and featuring Dr Seth A. Grossman, of Rutgers University-Newark, New Jersey. Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are distinctive, formalised partnerships between the public and private sectors operating as units of sub-government at the local level. There are more than 650 BIDs in the USA, and an estimated 1,500 worldwide. BIDs are special districts designed to bring together public, private and civic actors to achieve comprehensive community revitalisation, economic development and quality of life improvements in primary business and mixed use areas. Such partnerships appear to allow the public sector to enjoy more vigorous entrepreneurship, while allowing the private sector to utilize public authority and public processes to achieve economic and community revitalization. BIDs are unique because they are authorised by local ordinance, but tend to be managed by private and non-profit entities that function as publically oriented public-private partnerships. This presentation explores how BIDs dissolve public-private dichotomies to create new hybrid capacities for mutually beneficial community and business development. Registration (for catering purposes) by Friday 14 October to Rebecca Stroud via emai l or (03) 8616 0331. Inquiries on program to Nigel Flannigan.

Crisis and opportunity: the changing face of environmental health
Wednesday 19 – Friday 21 October
Comfort Inn Country Plaza, Halls Gap
Presented by Environmental Health Australia (Vic) Inc., and supported by the Department of Health, Northern Grampians Shire and Macpherson+Kelley Lawyers, this 2nd Annual Professional Development Symposium will feature a range of workshops, site tours and social functions specifically aimed at local government Environmental Health Officers, Local Laws Officers, Health Planners and others. One of the workshops will feature the VLGA’s Food Security Policy Officer, Leah Galvin, speaking on ‘the relevance of addressing food security as an opportunity prior to crisis’ along with Meagan Ward, of the Grampians and Pyrenees Primary Care Partnership. You can download the conference program and conference registration.

‘Excite, Engage, Evolve’ Australasian Conference for Public Participation
Thursday 20 – Friday 21 October
Sydney Masonic Centre
Whether you’re new to the field, a seasoned practitioner, a councillor, or a senior executive keen to learn more, these popular events are a valuable chance to gain cutting-edge knowledge and skills. Aimed at communities, governments and the private sector, this year’s dynamic, interactive program is packed with opportunities to:
* hear from inspiring leaders in the field
* learn the latest techniques from the world’s leading thinkers
* join practicing peers to share ideas and creative approaches
* celebrate and recognise some shining examples of best practice
* share the secrets of quality community engagement outcomes
Speakers include some of the world’s recognised trailblazers in public participation, including internationally renowned social researcher Mark McCrindle, ABC broadcaster and facilitator Julie McCrossin, and highly regarded researchers and thinkers, Professors Lyn Carson (University of Western Sydney) and John Gastil (University of Washington). The winners of the IAP2’s Core Values Awards (both Australasian and International) will be presented at a special Gala Dinner on 20 October. For more information and to register, go here.

2011 Thriving Neighbourhoods Conference
Tuesday-Wednesday 25-26 October
St Kilda Town Hall
Thriving Neighbourhoods (TN) is a conference series that explores the impact of the built and natural environments on communities’ health, wellbeing and productivity. The VLGA is a major conference supporter and VLGA members are entitled to a $100-discount off the registration fees. The 2011 conference focuses on the role of local governments in creating liveable, sustainable and healthy communities: how they engage stakeholders including the property, planning, parks and recreation, health, and other government sectors. The conference will take these diverse groups out of their silos and work collaboratively to create a living environment where residents are healthy and productive. The VLGA is making a financial contribution to bring Paul Hawken to the conference. Paul is a renowned author whose works have transformed businesses’ thinking about their impact on the environment, will be in Melbourne to address the conference. In The Ecology of Commerce, he argues for ‘full-cost accounting’: taking account of social, environmental and economic costs to truly gauge the impact of a business decision. The program and registration details can be found at http://thrivingneighbourhoods2011.org. TN is hosted by ICLEI – Local governments for Sustainability, a non-profit movement of local governments aimed at building capacity of councils to implement long-term local actions to achieve sustainable development. The City of Port Phillip is ICLEI’s principal partner.

North East Branch ALGWA ‘Think women for local government 2012’ Forum
Saturday 12 November, 1pm-4pm
Strathbogie Shire Civic Centre, Bury Street, Euroa
To be opened by Hon Jeanette Powell MP, this forum will share information and support the North East Local Government Women’s Association in encouraging women candidates for the local government elections in 2012. Enquiries and RSVP to Cr Marg Attley, North East ALGWA President, on 0400 256 035 or email; or to Cr Colleen Furlanetto, North East ALGWA (interim) Secretary, on 0427 537 522 or email.

Community power conference: Australian communities taking charge of their energy use
Monday 14 – Tuesday 15 November
Capital Theatre, View Street, Bendigo

Are you looking for practical, achievable ways to reduce the impact of electricity price rises in your community? This conference aims to showcase how regional Australian communities are developing innovative energy projects; helping to reduce local economic shocks; and can take practical action to hedge against rising energy prices. The Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities, in its third biennial conference on renewable energy, is partnering with the Central Victoria Solar City project, part of the Australian Government’s Solar Cities program, and the City of Greater Bendigo, to deliver an exciting exploration of current energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies and actions being taken by Australian communities. For more information and to register, go here.

9th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
Tuesday 15 – Wednesday 16 November
Melbourne
As an endorsing partner, the VLGA has secured a massive 50% discount for our members to this conference. With a strong focus on issues relevant to local governments, guest presenters include Ballarat and Melbourne CEOs Anthony Schinck and Dr Kathy Alexander. There are three easy ways for VLGA members to register: on the internet; by telephone (02) 9080 4307; or via email. Make sure you quote the following exclusive VLGA event code: P11M41 with your booking. For more information and to see the program, go here. To stay connected to this conference, follow it on LinkedIn, Twitter (#victransport), the Informa blog, or Youtube.

5th ‘State of Australian Cities’ National Conference
Tuesday 29 November – Friday 2 December
University of Melbourne, Parkville
Australia’s society and economy are dominated by its cities and regions, and the future of Australia’s environment is also linked to urban sustainability. The State of Australian Cities is a national forum, held biennially, to share scholarship directed at the complex and multidimensional issues facing us as an urban nation. Australian cities are highly ranked internationally for their liveability, and have continued to grow strongly through a global financial crisis. Yet we are confronted with significant challenges. These challenges should not blind us to opportunities. For the first time in two decades, the Federal Government is talking about the need to address the infrastructure gap in cities. A growing body of urban researchers is interested in the policy implications of their work, while policy-makers are increasingly turning to the developing evidence base. Unlikely coalitions are springing up to address intertwined social, economic, environmental, governance, and infrastructure issues.

26 September 2011

2011-09-26T13:36:00.006+10:00

VLGA President’s Message
The VLGA has communicated our congratulations to the Bass Coast Shire and community members for their successful campaign to overturn the possibility of rezoning land in Ventnor for residential development. There has been considerable media attention about this issue, but that alone is unlikely to have been the reason for the result. What is clear from the proactive approach of the Bass Coast Shire is that they had a strategic vision for residential growth for their municipality, so it was difficult to argue that this rezoning of a parcel of land outside their plan was necessary, or a sound planning outcome. What is also clear is the power of the partnership between local governments and our communities – whether this be local or more widespread. Another lesson we draw from the whole experience is that communities get motivated and advocate for issues when there is a strong strategic basis for their position. Once again, I’d like to congratulate all the stakeholders involved and acknowledge the calm leadership of Bass Coast Shire. Speaking of residential growth, I hope to see many of you at our next Leading Edge Forum on Thursday 6 October. Although there are some amazing events coming up in the near future (see below), I did want to mention two of my personal favourites coming up in early October – the annual Mayors on Bikes event, this year kindly hosted by the City of Kingston; as well as Bicycle Victoria’s Bike Futures Conference. So, whether it be ‘on a bike’ or not, I look forward to seeing you around and about. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email. Cheers.

Cr Samantha Dunn, President

Keeping you up to date

Don’t be caught out! Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission’s annual Local Government Survey closes on 7 October

So far only seven metropolitan and 15 regional and rural local governments have completed VEOHRC’s annual survey. The online survey closes on 7 October. The questions for local governments are the same as those used in the 2010 Report to ensure the Commission can gather consistent comparative data. The Report questions mirrored the format of the VLGA’s Human Rights Toolkit, which looks at milestones in human rights implementation that are aimed at developing a more coordinated approach across all local governments. Hopefully this will reduce the reporting burden for local governments.

A decade of inquiries into Australian Local Government: unfinished business?

The VLGA highly recommends one of the Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government’s (ACELG) working papers to members. This ACELG paper echoes a lot of advocacy positions taken by the VLGA and looks at the findings, recommendations and outcomes of nine major national and state inquiries into local government over the period from 2001 to 2008. The paper explores three key questions. First, what have been the major themes and ideas to emerge? Second, to what extent have the principal findings and recommendations been implemented? Third, how much unfinished business remains to be transacted in order to place Australian local governments on a sounder footing? The paper notes that, over time, a significant number of the inquiry recommendations have been reflected in policy and legislative change. However, the patchy nature of responses to the inquiries, and differences of opinion evident between state and local governments on priorities for further reform, point to two underlying issues that slow the process of change:
* State governments tend not to respond to inquiry recommendations unless they initiate and control the agenda themselves
* Despite commissioning several of the inquiries, the local government sector itself has mostly failed to assemble and prosecute packages of reforms that are acceptable to councils generally, and that also appeal to other key stakeholders – especially state governments.

The VLGA believes that these two issues continue to focus on the question of how and when local governments can increasingly set their own agenda and find solutions that do not solely rely on other levels of government. To see what’s happening at the ACELG go here.

ALGWA celebrates 60 years!
The Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) celebrates its 60th birthday on Saturday 15 October. Join them in celebrating 60 years of supporting women elected to, and working in, the local government sector, at the Box Hill Town Hall on 15 October, 2-4pm. The winner of the 2011 ALGWA Bursary award will also be announced. All are welcome, including former members. Further details to follow, or for further information contact Secretary Helen Harris via email.

Economic Development Australia (Vic) Scholarships
Applications close on 30 September for EDA Victoria’s Professional Development Program. A total of $9,000 is available for two fantastic professional development opportunities to EDA members. The first is a scholarship program worth $5,000 to develop professional skills through study in courses or study programs related to economic development (the applicant must demonstrate this relationship in their application form). The scholarship is ideally suited to both young professionals who are new to economic development and looking to develop their expertise, and to those who are more experienced and wish to further their studies or add formal qualifications to their credentials. The second opportunity is a $4,000 study tour, available to economic developers with five or more years’ experience. Applications can be made direct via the following EDA Scholarship and EDA Study Tour links. For more information regarding the program contact Ray Davies at Pyrenees Shire or Bill Millard at Warrnambool City Council.

Talking Trees: why urban forests matter
Last week the VLGA attended a breakfast organised by the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord exploring the benefits provided by urban trees and the challenges facing local governments in managing them. The Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee (VLSAC), in consultation with Accord partners and local governments across Victoria, identified trees and urban landscapes as an issue for local governments. The event is a demonstration of the Accord’s commitment to learning and knowledge sharing across levels of government on environmental sustainability issues. It was attended by local government CEOs, mayors and senior staff, State Government executives, and organisations such as City West Water and VicHealth. Facilitated by Rob Gell, a lively and passionate discussion was had between a diverse panel of speakers. Key topics explored included the tensions between open space and densification of urban development, the need for greater access to data and the importance of urban trees and green spaces for social wellbeing and health. VLGA members will be interested to note that a background paper exploring the benefits, challenges and trends in urban trees across metropolitan Melbourne was prepared by the Accord to inform the event and can be downloaded from the DSE Accord website under the resource and publications section at www.dse.vic.gov.au/accord.

Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee (SARC) Report on the review of the Victorian Human Rights Charter

The VLGA’s CEO Maree McPherson and Human Rights Policy Officer Gary Jungwirth last week attended a forum, co-hosted by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and the Law Institute of Victoria, with regards to the SARC Report, which has attracted widespread media attention. The key messages from the forum included:
* The report appears to ignore the overwhelming support for the retention of the Charter – the highest support for any charter of protections disclosed in Australia’s history;
* The recommendations of the SARC do not appear to be based on the evidence presented by the submissions and at the public hearings;
* Many public authorities, including State Government departments, have provided evidence of how the Charter has enhanced their operation and had positive impacts on their service delivery;
* Submissions from the not-for-profit sector clearly called for a retention of the Charter and for enhanced training and standards.

This is in line with the VLGA’s submission and evidence to the public hearings. If you would like more information contact Darren Ray, Director Policy & Public Affairs via email or (03) 9349 7902.

50 new International Water Centre scholarships on offer for 2012
In the context of current economic downturn, the International WaterCentre (IWC) is seeking new ways to support the world's future water leaders. IWC is now offering partial-tuition scholarships to the first 50 students who enrol in an Integrated Water Management program (Master’s, Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate) for 2012. The scholarships are available to Australian and international students who do not receive any external full-tuition scholarship or full-tuition funding from other sources. Each partial scholarship is valued at $5,000 for the whole Master’s program, payable per semester towards tuition fees (directly to The University of Queensland). Flexibility in program delivery is provided, with students being able to study full-time or part-time/distance. Three new specialisation streams will be offered in 2012 including international development; water, land and people; and urban water. To benefit from a partial scholarship, you need to:
1. apply for the program
2. receive an unconditional offer package from The University of Queensland
3. be one of the first 50 students to enrol in the program (enrolments open in Dec 2011/Jan 2012).
For further details and information on deadlines, go here or contact the IWC via email or (07) 3123 7766.

Events for your diary

VLGA events

October Leading Edge Forum – Future population, infrastructure and sustainability in local communities: rethinking the debates
Thursday 6 October, 6-9pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
Join us for this special 2011 Planning Month event on Thursday 6 October from 6pm.
Are we managing the issue or is it managing us? Is more leadership and coordination needed?
Hear a range of economic, planning and environment experts reflect on the current population, planning and growth debates. Join in an interactive panel discussion, and debate the challenges, opportunities and implications for local governments and communities. Speakers include James Lamour-Reid, Committee Member, Planning Institute Australia; Brian Haratsis, Managing Director and Chief Economist, Macroplan; and Matt Ruchel, Executive Director, Victorian National Parks Association. Download the LEF flyer and register online or call (03) 9349 7999.

Mayors on Bikes 2011
Wednesday 12 October, 10am-1.30pm
Kingston City Council
Coinciding with Ride to Work Day, Mayors on Bikes provides a useful informal networking and information sharing event that is invaluable to any mayor interested in transport and planning issues. Join us to explore a viable sustainable transport option. This year’s Mayors on Bikes event is kindly hosted by the City of Kingston and involves mayors, other representatives from metropolitan local governments, and State Government authorities to join together in a leisurely bike ride along the Patterson River Trail, Wells Road shared path, Edithvale Road and Long Beach Trail. The ride will highlight some of the recent shared path and other upgrades, as well as the future challenges being faced by Kingston and shared by other local governments. Following the bike ride, there will be opportunity for networking over refreshments and to hear from key agencies as they discuss how local governments can work with them to bring about change in a consultative and collaborative manner. See our Mayors on Bikes event page for more information including the program, and to register.

VLGA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 3 November, 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
Pencil this date into your diary and join us to reflect on the challenges and the achievements of the last year. We will formally present our financial statements and Annual Report, and award a life membership at the AGM. Invitations will be sent shortly. For more information contact the VLGA’s Member Resources Officer Sarah Colgan via email or (03) 9349 7983.

Essential Councillor Retreat: making the 4th year count!
Friday 18 – Saturday 19 November
Peppers The Sands Resort Torquay
Numbers are limited and there is an early bird discount for those who get in quickly. You can download the program and registration form from our website.

Other events

Housing: Where to from here?
Wednesday 28 September, 8am-2pm
Hilton on the Park, 192 Wellington Parade, Melbourne
With some of the world’s most expensive properties, Australia’s housing sector is never far from the headlines. The housing sector in Australia is exhibiting signs of a ‘patchwork’ economy – sluggish in some areas, booming in others. The policy challenge is more significant than the mining boom as it involves issues of town planning and broader land supply constraints while demand is influenced by a wide range of economic and social policies. A CEDA event, this Housing forum will feature Federal Housing Minister Senator Mark Arbib, and will take an all-encompassing look at the macro-economic picture for the housing market, with a critical analysis of the public policy platforms that determine the condition of the sector. This will include the critical issue of town planning, the effectiveness of which is currently subject to review by the Baillieu Government with the establishment of the Urban Renewal Authority. An expert panel of speakers will discuss the big picture issues relating to the housing sector, public and social policy issues and the importance of getting land use and planning right. Find out more about this event, the panelists and register on the Committee for Economic Development Australia’s (CEDA) website.

Culture: A New Way of Thinking for Local Government
Tuesday 4 October, 9am-5pm
Melbourne Town Hall
How the inclusion of culture with social, environmental and economic policies strengthens local governance. This conference will include diverse perspectives on cultural policy from across the Asia-Pacific region. Conference topics will include:
* Can positive change be expected as a result of the Declaration?
* How can the Declaration assist councils to achieve best outcomes for their communities?
* What are the different ways 'culture' is interpreted and how do these influence local government policies in relation to the arts?
More information at www.culturaldevelopment.net.au.

Food-sensitive planning in urban design (FSPUD) forum
Thursday 6 October, 1.45-5.00pm
Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre, Cnr Bell Street and St. Georges Road, Preston

The Heart Foundation invites you to a forum to learn more about the resource, Food-sensitive planning and urban design: a conceptual framework for achieving a sustainable and healthy food system. Guest speakers include Associate Professor Trevor Budge AM, La Trobe University; Jenny Donovan, Inclusive Design; Dr Lukar Thornton, Deakin University; and Kirsten Larsen, Victorian Eco-Innovation Lab (VEIL), Melbourne University. This forum will be of interest to planners, architects, urban designers, engineers, public health professionals, policy makers, community members and elected representatives. It will explore the critical need to consider food in urban land use and development and how that might be achieved. Admission is free and RSVPs are required by 5pm on Friday 30 September by email. For a copy of the FSPUD resource, go here. This event is an initiative of the Heart Foundation and is being delivered in partnership with the VLGA, and is funded by VicHealth.

2011 Roadsafe Conference: reducing road trauma
Thursday 6 – Friday 7 October
Quality Hotel, Wangaratta Gateway, Wangaratta
Topics this year include involving the community; targeting the needs; behavioural change; and ‘beyond 2011’. The 2011 Roadsafe Conference will bring people together with a strong focus on ‘Reducing Road Trauma’. After the conference, stay on for the weekend and enjoy many of the region’s highlights of natural beauty and surroundings, road trails, wine and gourmet food.

6th Annual Community Newspapers Association of Victoria Conference
Friday-Saturday, 7-8 October
Geelong Conference Centre, Adams Court, Eastern Park Gardens
The Community Newspapers Association of Victoria (CNAV) is the peak body representing community newspapers in the state, with a current membership of around 60 members. CNAV defines a community newspaper as a newspaper or newsletter that is owned by the community. This could mean a newsletter produced by a community house or a newspaper that is produced by a group of volunteers for a town or community group. CNAV actively works with its members to enhance the capacity and standing of community newspapers, to enable them to fully realise their vital role in communities. To join CNAV at their 6th Annual Conference in Geelong, visit http://cnav.org.au/.

2011 Bike Futures Conference
Wednesday 12 – Friday 14 October
Etihad Stadium, 740 Bourke Street, Melbourne
The Bike Futures Conference is your key annual professional development opportunity. The conference brings together national and local leaders, planners, designers and builders. This three-day conference is presented by the Bicycle Network and hosted by Bicycle Victoria. For further information on the conference and for registration details, go to the Bike Futures Conference website. With the transport crisis a long-term reality for Australian cities, there has never been a better time to improve liveability by embracing the benefits of bicycling, according to Harry Barber, CEO of Bicycle Victoria. Now in its third year Bike Futures has become the key annual professional development for national and local leaders, planners, designers and builders to use bike transport and recreation to advance their communities. Bike Futures 2011 will discuss how to take the next steps from providing bike infrastructure – essential for mobility – to changing the ways cities work. It will bring together world leading experts as well as some of Australia’s leading practitioners on how to best respond to the issues confronting communities as they embrace the bicycle revolution. Workshop themes for the three days will include: innovative and human design, linking local initiatives with the bigger picture, shared paths and shared spaces, cycle tourism and how Vancouver BC has become the world’s most liveable city. The conference brings together ideas, solutions and practical strategies to meet the challenges provided by the bike riding boom.

The Long Walk Women's Luncheon 2011
Friday 14 October, 11.30am
Peninsula at Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands
Join the VLGA who will also be donating a seat to this event that will celebrate Indigenous women’s achievements over lunch with great entertainment and conversation. The Long Walk is a charity inspired by Michael Long’s walk to Canberra to get the lives of Australia’s Indigenous people back on the national agenda. Special Guests include Rosalie Kunoth-Monks; Fay Ball; The Sunshine Sisters (Emma Donovan, Jessie Lloyd and Deline Briscoe) and the MC Pauline Whyman. You can book a table of 10 for the Luncheon, and individuals and businesses are encouraged to donate seats to Indigenous women with limited funds. Please indicate donated seats by writing ‘donated seat’ as the guest name in the booking form. Seats (at $110 each) will be donated to FVPLS Victoria to distribute. Funds raised through the Women’s Luncheon will contribute to The Long Walk’s Indigenous Cultural Exchange in 2012. Please register online by Friday 30 September.

Climate Change Adaptation Congress
Thursday-Friday 13-14 October
Melbourne Town Hall
3 Pillars Network presents the Climate Change Adaptation National Congress in partnership with NCCARF & CSIRO Climate Adaptation Flagship & Net Balance. A two-day interactive forum exploring the policy, strategies and business models needed to enable a climate resilient future for Australia. Keynote speakers include Rear Admiral D. Titley, Oceanographer and Navigator of the US Navy, and Dr Graeme Pearman, Monash University. The Congress is intended for organisations at all stages of adaptation planning. Using a participative process, sessions are designed to engage the collective expertise of all attendees – drawing on Australian and International experts across a range of disciplines to help bridge ‘knowledge gaps’ and inform new ideas. Visit www.climateadaptation.com.au for more details.

Crisis and opportunity: the changing face of environmental health
Wednesday 19 – Friday 21 October
Comfort Inn Country Plaza, Halls Gap
Presented by Environmental Health Australia (Vic) Inc., and supported by the Department of Health, Northern Grampians Shire and Macpherson+Kelley Lawyers, this 2nd Annual Professional Development Symposium will feature a range of workshops, site tours and social functions specifically aimed at Local Government Environmental Health Officers, Local Laws Officers, Health Planners and others. One of the workshops will feature the VLGA’s Food Security Policy Officer speaking on ‘the relevance of addressing food security as an opportunity prior to crisis’ along with Meagan Ward, of the Grampians and Pyrenees Primary Care Partnership. You can download the conference program and conference registration.

‘Excite, Engage, Evolve’ Australasian Conference for Public Participation
Thursday-Friday 20-21 October
Sydney Masonic Centre
Whether you’re new to the field, a seasoned practitioner, a councillor, or a senior executive keen to learn more, these popular events are a valuable chance to gain cutting-edge knowledge and skills. Aimed at communities, governments and the private sector, this year’s dynamic, interactive program is packed with opportunities to:
* hear from inspiring leaders in the field
* learn the latest techniques from the world’s leading thinkers
* join practicing peers to share ideas and creative approaches
* celebrate and recognise some shining examples of best practice
* share the secrets of quality community engagement outcomes
Speakers include some of the world’s recognised trailblazers in public participation, including internationally renowned social researcher Mark McCrindle, ABC broadcaster and facilitator Julie McCrossin, and highly regarded researchers and thinkers, Professors Lyn Carson (University of Western Sydney) and John Gastil (University of Washington). The winners of the IAP2’s Core Values Awards (both Australasian and International) will be presented at a special Gala Dinner on 20 October. For more information and to register, go here.

2011 Thriving Neighbourhoods Conference
Tuesday-Wednesday 25-26 October
St Kilda Town Hall
Thriving Neighbourhoods (TN) is a conference series that explores the impact of the built and natural environments on communities’ health, wellbeing and productivity. The VLGA is a major conference supporter and VLGA members are entitled to a $100-discount off the registration fees. The 2011 conference focuses on the role of local governments in creating liveable, sustainable and healthy communities: how they engage stakeholders including the property, planning, parks and recreation, health, and other government sectors. The conference will take these diverse groups out of their silos and work collaboratively to create a living environment where residents are healthy and productive. The VLGA is making a financial contribution to bring Paul Hawken to the conference. Paul is a renowned author whose works have transformed businesses’ thinking about their impact on the environment, will be in Melbourne to address the conference. In The Ecology of Commerce, he argues for ‘full-cost accounting’: taking account of social, environmental and economic costs to truly gauge the impact of a business decision. The program and registration details can be found at http://thrivingneighbourhoods2011.org. TN is hosted by ICLEI – Local governments for Sustainability, a non-profit movement of local governments aimed at building capacity of councils to implement long-term local actions to achieve sustainable development. The City of Port Phillip is ICLEI’s principal partner.

North East Branch ALGWA ‘Think women for local government 2012’ Forum
Saturday 12 November, 1pm-4pm
Strathbogie Shire Civic Centre, Bury Street, Euroa
To be opened by Hon Jeanette Powell MP, this forum will share information and support the North East Local Government Women’s Association in encouraging women candidates for the local government elections in 2012. Enquiries and RSVP to Cr Marg Attley, North East ALGWA President, on 0400 256 035 or email; or to Cr Colleen Furlanetto, North East ALGWA (interim) Secretary, on 0427 537 522 or email.

9th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
Tuesday 15 – Wednesday 16 November
Melbourne
As an endorsing partner, the VLGA has secured a massive 50% discount for our members to this conference. With a strong focus on issues relevant to local governments, guest presenters include Ballarat and Melbourne CEOs Anthony Schinck and Dr Kathy Alexander. There are three easy ways for VLGA members to register: on the internet; by telephone (02) 9080 4307; or via email. Make sure you quote the following exclusive VLGA event code: P11M41 with your booking. For more information and to see the program, go here. To stay connected to this conference, follow it on LinkedIn, Twitter (#victransport), the Informa blog, or Youtube.

5th ‘State of Australian Cities’ National Conference
Tuesday 29 November – Friday 2 December
University of Melbourne, Parkville
Australia’s society and economy are dominated by its cities and regions, and the future of Australia’s environment is also linked to urban sustainability. The State of Australian Cities is a national forum, held biennially, to share scholarship directed at the complex and multidimensional issues facing us as an urban nation. Australian cities are highly ranked internationally for their liveability, and have continued to grow strongly through a global financial crisis. Yet we are confronted with significant challenges. These challenges should not blind us to opportunities. For the first time in two decades, the Federal Government is talking about the need to address the infrastructure gap in cities. A growing body of urban researchers is interested in the policy implications of their work, while policy-makers are increasingly turning to the developing evidence base. Unlikely coalitions are springing up to address intertwined social, economic, environmental, governance, and infrastructure issues.